Absorption

• Picolinate, an amino acid, is added to chromium to help the body absorb the compound, according to Vanderbilt University. Chromium is found naturally in foods such as whole-grain breads, fruits, vegetables, poultry, fish and meat.
  
  

Uses

• Uses of chromium picolinate include improving the metabolizing of glucose, lowering cholesterol and as a weight-loss supplement, according to Cerner Multum. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved chromium picolinate for all of these uses.
  
  

Risks

• Pregnant and breast-feeding woman should not take chromium picolinate as it may be harmful to an unborn or nursing child. Individuals with certain conditions such as liver disease, cancer, diabetes or a weak immune system may not be able to take this supplement.
  
  

Drug Interactions

• Chromium picolinate should not be taken with insulin or oral diabetes medications, steroids, nicotinic acid, proton-pump inhibitors and other stomach acid reducers, beta-blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen except on the advice of a physician. Antacids should be avoided while taking chromium picolinate.
  
  

Considerations

• Supplements that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration should be used with caution.