Chromium & Chromium Picolinate During Pregnancy?

Question

Ok...I am TOTALLY FREAKING OUT. I just found out I am pregnant on 10/24. I think I am starting my 4th week of pregnancy. I was taking 400mcg of Chromium Picolinate since the middle of August. I was also taking multi-vitamins that had 220mcg of Chromium (as Hydrolyzed Protein Chelate). When I took the pregnancy test on Saturday I dropped the supplement down to 200mcg but am still taking the same amount in the multi-vitamin. I had NO IDEA about the "concerns" of Chromium/chromium picolinate until I was researching my vitamins last night. So, I'm not going to take the supplement anymore. But I am scared that I caused harm to my baby unintentally. HELP!!!!

Answer 1

Relax! Many of us have done worse before finding out we were pregnant and our babies are fine! Just stop taking the multi and talk to your doctor about which prenatal vitamin she recommends. Also talk to her about your concerns with the chromium you've already taken. Shell most likely be a huge comfort to you.

Answer 2

Chromium Picolinate is the most commonly used form of Chromium on the market, and Chromium is an essential mineral that you should have in your diet daily. The only studies that may actually be accurate about it causing problems are those that focus on overdoses of Chromium (which IS very dangerous, same with overdoses of any minerals). That being said, "Chromium may enhance insulin sensitivity and effect glucose levels, diabetics and hypoglycemics should consult their health care provider before use" (quoted from the warning label). As long as a doctor doesn't say you shouldn't take it, Chromium can be very helpful for a lot of people. Oh, and about the cancer thing.... at this point in time, nobody has any idea what causes or cures cancer, so most people that claim anything about cancer are just grasping at straws.

Answer 3

Share these concerns with your health care provider. But to put your mind at ease until then, be aware that many people smoke and drink alcohol for the first five or six weeks of pregnancy with little or no effect on the baby. A lot has to do with how much, how often, how diluted, and your basic overall health.



Some studies have suggested that 30 mcg a day is the amount that should be available to women over 19 years of age who are pregnant.



Although 660 mcg may seem like a lot, think about your pain relievers. They go all the way from 81 mg to 500 mg and some people take two. So do you need 81 mg or 1000? Depends, doesn't it?



One of the studies quoted by the Linus Pauling Institute article below said that most people tolerated a daily intake of 400 mcg. There were incidences of kidney and liver problems in some people after five or six months at the levels you are taking. If you have combined your intake with a lot of significant excercise, then you will have excreted more of it; conversely, if you take it with Vitamin C, you may have retained more of it.



Until you get in to see an ob/gyn, rely on the old internet. Look up chromium and see if you can find anything on how much is considered bad. It won't change the last four weeks, but it might give you some peace of mind.