What is chromium picolinate?

Chromium is a naturally occurring mineral. When combined with picolinic acid, the product is called chromium picolinate, which is sold as a nutritional supplement. Some users of chromium picolinate claim the supplement aids in weight loss.

Though chromium can be found naturally, heavy processing removes the mineral from food. Individuals who eat significant amounts of processed food may lack dietary chromium. Chromium enhances insulin production, thereby increasing the speed of the metabolism of fat and glucose.

Though many users have claimed to lose weight after using the supplement, scientific research has not yet determined chromium picolinate to be an effective tool for weight loss.