Chromium Polynicotinate
Also known as: chromium nicotinate, niacin-bound chromium, ChromeMate, chromium polynicotinate (GTF chromium)
Trivalent chromium bound to niacin (nicotinic acid), marketed as a food-like glucose-tolerance-factor form and sold under trade names such as ChromeMate. NIH ODS lists it among common supplemental forms and considers absorption across chromium forms broadly similar. A double-blind randomized trial of chromium nicotinate in type 2 diabetes reported no significant effect on insulin sensitivity or glycemic control, so its evidence base is thinner than picolinate's.
Research summary
Supplies trivalent chromium, proposed to support insulin receptor signaling; the niacin ligand is thought to mimic the chromium-nicotinate complex found in foods.
Dosage
Daily amounts, elemental (12% of the compound is the element).
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 mcg | 200–400 mcg | — | — |
Doses are micrograms of elemental chromium. Chromium trinicotinate stoichiometry gives roughly 12% chromium, but commercial polynicotinate is a polymeric complex whose chromium content is set by the supplier and is almost always sold as a diluted premix; raw_material_mg_per_dose_unit = 0.1 mg per mcg assumes a 1% premix — verify against the certificate of analysis. ODS reports chromium-only products at 200–500 mcg. A verified highest studied dose specific to polynicotinate was not located. No UL is set.
Source material: synthetic complex of chromium(III) with nicotinic acid, diluted on a carrier
As supplied: Supplier-defined chromium content; commonly supplied as a 1–10% chromium premix
Forms of Chromium
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium Polynicotinate | 200–400 mcg | 12% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | mid |
| Chromium Picolinate | 200–500 mcg | 12% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Micro-dose; carrier dilution sets fill weight.
Formulation notes
May add to the effect of glucose-lowering medications. Antacids may reduce absorption; vitamin C may increase it.
- Notable drug interactions
Sources
Related ingredients
Chromium Picolinate
MineralTrivalent chromium chelated with three picolinate ligands, the form used in most human trials and the best seller in blood-sugar and weight-management formulas.
Typical: 200–500 mcg
Apple Cider Vinegar Powder
OtherApple cider vinegar powder is liquid vinegar spray-dried onto a carrier such as maltodextrin or cyclodextrin so it can be used in capsules and gummies.
Typical: 500–1,500 mg
Whey Protein Isolate
ProteinWhey filtered to 90% or more protein by weight, with most lactose and fat removed.
Typical: 20–30 g
Berberine HCl
BotanicalAn isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from plants such as barberry, goldenseal, and Coptis, supplied as the hydrochloride salt.
Typical: 900–1,500 mg
Psyllium Husk
PrebioticPsyllium husk is the seed coat of Plantago ovata, a soluble, gel-forming fiber that holds many times its weight in water.
Typical: 5–10 g