Does Chromium Cause Headache?

Dr. McLeod

Hello, I took one 250 mcg chromium piclonate and got a headache within
a couple of hours – then felt general unwell after about 6 hours. I
would like to try this for depression, but the number 1 reason I don’t
take anti-depressants is because I don’t like the side effects. Will
the side effects with chromium subside?

ANSWER:  Headaches are very commom and there are many possible explanations for yours.  I’m not aware that chromium causes headaches.  The mild side effects of chromium — “caffeine-like” effects and vivid dreams -  do tend to disappear.  Please keep me posted

Malcolm McLeod MD

Chromium helps concentration

Dr. McLeod:

First off, thank you for bringing the chromium connection to the
world. Keep up the good work!

Two weeks ago I began supplementing chromium picolinate, 500 mcg. I
weigh ~140 lbs. Depending on the therapist I am various diagnosed as
bipolar 2, cyclothymia, or major depressive disorder. Let’s just sum
it up as having a mood disorder including mood swings of various
lengths. I have had a sugar addiction/compulsion/cravings for most of
my life as well.

Having little success with meds (SSRIs, lithium), I attempted a more
“natural” path and made great inroads in treating this by aiming at a
generally primal, low-carb diet, and supplementing with fish oil, vit
D, iodine, magnesium, NAC, etc. etc. This was a *lot* of help,
amazingly so. Chromium though is the most recent addition and has made
a remarkable difference. It is absolutely shocking to me how improved
I feel in as little as 4 days. I have never felt more focused.

I am emailing you though because of this: since taking chromium my
compulsion to eat lots of sugars and sweets has plummeted. But now I
endlessly crave produce (as in eating upwards of 10-12 servings a
day). I dont really understand why. It feels very odd to crave
lettuce, celery, carrots, onions. These are not very fulfilling
either, I should add, though I just want more and more all the same.
And while I eat fruit, the idea of eating junk food/sweets is almost
nauseating now. But the desire for produce is unending. Why might this
be?

I understand that certain nutrients require a balance with one
another. Examples: omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs, zinc and copper,
magnesium and calcium. You get the idea. Does chromium have a
metabolic “partner” like this?

Thank you for the advice.

Sincerely,
 R.J.

Dear R.J.

Thank you for contacting me.  I know that chromium craves carb cravings in some people, but I’ve never heard anyone report an increase in craving for other foods.  Regarding your second question regarding “nutrient balance”, I don’t know of another trace mineral that is required for chromium to act maximally.

Keep me posted on what you discover.

Malcolm McLeod Md

Can I take Chromax Plus with Sertraline

Dear Dr. McLeod

i take 50 mg of generic zoloft (sertraline) for anxiety. is it safe to
take the chromax plus? Read more

Chromium and Prozac

QUESTION

Is it OK to take chromium while on Prozac? Also should I start with
one pill and increae to two slowly?

Thanks
FD

ANSWER

FD

Yes. It is safe to take chromium with Prozac.  I favor beginning with a small “test” dose of chromium, and increasing the dosage gradually if you don’t experience side effects.  Good luck and thank you for contacting me.

Malcolm McLeod, MD

Can Chromium Cause Insomnia?

Dr. McLeod

I have taken 1,000 mcg of chromium for about 5 days
now. The only problem I am having is, I am having a hard time falling
asleep and staying asleep at night. Read more

Can Chromium Curb SSRI-Induced Weight Gain?

Hi Dr. McLeod,
I have read a lot of information regarding weight gain with long term
use of ssri’s. Do you believe that taking chromium with an
antidrepessant, such as prozac or zolft,helps with such weight gain?
Thank you
M.G. Read more

Does Chromium Cause Irregular Heartbeats?

Dr McLeod,
I read that chromium(whatever the brand)could induce irregular
heartbeats.What is your pactical experience about that? First of all
is it possible?either maybe the dosages are into question or anything
else(chronic diseases,other drugs interaction)?Please,what is your
practical experience about this side effect?
Thank you very much.

A.C.

Dear A.C. No person has ever reported to me that chromium causes irregular heartbeats.  There are many possible causes, such as lack of exercise, excess caffeine, nicotine, prescription medications, and anxiety. You must check in with your primary physician and look for the cause. Please let me know.

Thank you for contacting me.

Malcolm McLeod MD

Can I Find Chromax in Canada?

Dear Dr McLeod,

Thank you so much for putting together this great wetsite. It is so informative and enlightening. 

I can’t seem to find Iceland Health Chromax in Canada at Walmart or any other retailer. Where can I find it?

Thank you for all of your help.

R.S.S

ANSWER:  Dear RSS:

I suggest you contact Mike Kolifrath at Iceland Health.  mikek@champusa.com or mikek@iclandhealth.com.  I hope he can steer you in the right direction.

Malcolm McLeod, MD

Must I Be Overweight to Have Atypical Depression?

Dr. McLeod

I have many of the symptoms of atypical depression you describe, but I am not overweight. Does that mena I can’t be considered to have atypical depressio.

C.P.

Dear C.P.

Many underweight people, especially when young, are underweight and yet have atypcial depression.  They do have excessive appetites and tend to gain weight as they age.

Please let me know of your experience.

Malcolm McLeod MD

Can an Underweight Person Have Atypical Depression?

Dear Dr. McLeod

Is it possible to be both underweight and have the atypical depression
that you describe that would be helped by chromium supplements? I know
that I have erratic blood sugar problems (glucose testing), depression
beginning in childhood, severe social sensitivity and anxiety, and
issues with being underweight. Would chromium be worth a try?

Thanks,
JJ

ANSWER

Yes indeed, JJ.  In many people atypical depression begins when they are young and trim.  They do have excessive appetites and tend to gain weight over the years.

Malcolm McLeod, MD

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