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Chromium Polynicotinate and Blood Sugar: Who Should Ask First
Chromium polynicotinate is chromium bound to niacin. NIH says supplement benefit is unproven, and trial results on blood sugar are mixed. Reviralis prints chromium polynicotinate 12 mcg per two capsules, 34% of the Daily Value. People who take diabetes medicine should ask a pharmacist first.
Written by the Goreviralis label deskUpdated · 4 min read
What is chromium polynicotinate?
It is chromium joined to niacin, sold as a supplement form of the trace mineral.
The Reviralis label prints "Chromium (as Chromium Polynicotinate) 12 mcg, 34% DV". NIH sets an adequate intake of 25 mcg (women) or 35 mcg (men) and no upper limit (NIH ODS, Chromium). So 12 mcg is about 34% to 48% of the intake figures.
| Measure | Amount | Share the label line fills |
|---|---|---|
| Label line (2 capsules) | 12 mcg, 34% DV | Printed |
| Adequate intake, women | 25 mcg | 48% |
| Adequate intake, men | 35 mcg | 34% |
| Upper limit | None set | Not applicable |
What did chromium trials find for blood sugar?
Mixed results, and no firm benefit for healthy people.
NIH says that the benefit of chromium supplements is unproven and that studies disagree (NIH ODS, Chromium). Many trials used people with diabetes and doses far above 12 mcg, often hundreds of mcg. That makes them a poor guide to this label line. Also, chromium is a trace nutrient by convention, and a true shortage is rare.
No source ties chromium to herpes outbreaks. Prescription antivirals are the proven care, so keep taking any you are given.
Who should ask a pharmacist about chromium first?
People who take diabetes medicine, because chromium may affect blood sugar.
- Insulin or tablets for blood sugar
- Thyroid hormone, which can interact with some minerals
- Anyone with kidney or liver disease
- Pregnant or nursing readers, as the label asks
The label asks you to check with your healthcare provider before use if you have a medical condition or take prescription medicine. Read the diabetes medicine post and the medicine check page.
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See packsDoes chromium sit with other blood sugar notes on the label?
Yes: cinnamon and olive leaf are blend names that sources link to blood sugar, so the effects could add up.
NCCIH says cassia cinnamon results on blood sugar are mixed (NCCIH, Cinnamon). Cinnamon bark extract is 13th in the blend (at most 50.85 mg) and olive leaf powder is 12th (at most 55.08 mg). The real amounts are not printed. Keep a home blood sugar log if you check, and share it with your clinician.
Product name, dose, date started and any change in a reading. It turns a vague worry into a useful question.
The whole list is on the Supplement Facts page, and trace minerals are grouped in their own page.
FAQ01
Reviralis questions people ask
What is chromium polynicotinate?
It is chromium bound to niacin, used as a supplement form of the trace mineral. Reviralis prints chromium as chromium polynicotinate, 12 mcg per two capsules, 34% of the Daily Value.
Does chromium lower blood sugar?
Results are mixed. NIH says the benefit of chromium supplements is unproven. Trials in people with diabetes often used doses far above 12 mcg. Ask your clinician before using it with diabetes medicine.
Is there an upper limit for chromium?
No. NIH has not set an upper limit for chromium. That is not the same as unlimited. Adequate intake is 25 mcg for women and 35 mcg for men, and Reviralis prints 12 mcg per two capsules.
Can chromium affect diabetes medicine?
It may, since chromium can affect blood sugar. Tell your pharmacist about any chromium product if you take insulin or tablets. Do not change a prescribed dose on your own.
Who wrote this02
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the sales page and linked NIH, CDC, FDA, FTC, Mayo Clinic and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is the information site for a U.S. stocking partner for Reviralis. It is not the manufacturer or the distributor named on the label. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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