Heavy Metals

Chromium (Total)

Chromium is a trace mineral required in small amounts for normal carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism, often included as a nutrient supplement. Total chromium measures all forms including trivalent (Cr3+) and hexavalent (Cr6+) chromium.

Mineral or nutrientUpdated Mar 28, 2024

Health score-3.0

-5Poor5

Water guidelines

Legal limit: 0.1 mg/L
Health guideline: 0.05 mg/L

Food and supplement guidelines

Legal limit: Not specified
Health guideline: 200 mcg

Risks

Potential toxicity from hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) forms, occupational inhalation toxicity, contamination risk if Cr6+ present, ingestion toxicity possible only with contaminated forms