Cinnamon & Chromium Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Cinnamon & Chromium against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Cinnamon & Chromium is a dietary supplement by GNC Herbal Plus with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar support in type 2 diabetes, weight loss and appetite control, insulin sensitivity.Based on those ingredients, 523 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cinnamon bark powder, Chromium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Cinnamon & Chromium by GNC Herbal Plus
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cinnamon & Chromium by GNC Herbal Plus — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cinnamon & Chromium by GNC Herbal Plus
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product has two active ingredients: chromium and cinnamon bark powder. Chromium is a mineral that plays a role in blood sugar regulation and how your body uses insulin.
Cinnamon bark powder is the dried ground bark from the cinnamon tree. The remaining ingredients are inactive — microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable cellulose capsule, magnesium stearate, and hydroxypropylcellulose — they're just there to hold the capsule together and help it dissolve.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
Chromium is likely effective for chromium deficiency and possibly effective for diabetes. The evidence for cinnamon bark powder is less clear — the data we hold shows insufficient evidence to rate it for diabetes, common cold, diarrhea, and several other uses.
So while chromium has some science behind it for blood sugar, cinnamon's track record is still being sorted out.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Chromium is generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses, though high or long-term doses may carry risks. Most common side effects are mild — gastrointestinal irritation, headaches, insomnia, irritability, or mood changes.
Rare serious effects like kidney or liver damage and blood cell problems have been reported. Cinnamon bark powder is safe in food amounts, but supplement doses high in coumarin (a compound in cinnamon) may harm your liver over time.
A rash was reported in one person taking 1 gram daily for three months. For pregnancy and breastfeeding: chromium is rated likely safe to possibly safe during pregnancy, and likely safe while breastfeeding, though the product's safety notes caution that only small amounts from diet or prenatal vitamins should be used during pregnancy — extra supplement doses should be avoided unless a doctor recommends them.
Cinnamon is rated likely safe during pregnancy and lactation, but food amounts are preferred over concentrated supplement doses.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before you start, double-check with your pharmacist if you take any antidiabetes drugs or insulin — there's a Moderate risk of low blood sugar. If you're on levothyroxine (thyroid medication), chromium may lower how much your body absorbs, which could weaken the drug's effect.
NSAIDs, aspirin, hepatotoxic drugs, and any liver-stressing medications also warrant a quick conversation.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
If you're checking your blood sugar and want targeted support, and you don't take diabetes medications or thyroid hormone, this could be worth a look. Anyone on insulin, diabetes pills, or levothyroxine (Synthroid) should talk to their pharmacist first — the dose may need adjusting.
People taking NSAIDs regularly or medications that stress the liver should also check first.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 24, 2020.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Cinnamon & Chromium, straight from the product label.
| Brand | GNC Herbal Plus |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 048107128463 |
| Net contents | 60 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jun 24, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 228781 |
| Product type | Botanical With Nutrients |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Cinnamon & Chromium by GNC Herbal Plus, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium | 200 mcg | 571% |
| Cinnamon bark powder | 500 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, Magnesium Stearate, Hydroxypropylcellulose
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Precautions
Keep out of reach of children.
Contains: Soybeans.
Warning: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov. Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.
Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
Formulation
Supports glucose utilization
Vegetarian
No sugar, no starch, no artificial colors, no artificial flavors, sodium free, no wheat, gluten free, no corn, no dairy.
General Statements
30-day supply
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: As a dietary supplement, take two capsules daily.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Cinnamon & Chromium by GNC Herbal Plus label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Cinnamon & Chromium by GNC Herbal Plus
These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
Chromium
Interacts with178 drugs
Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body handles sugar and fat. Some studies suggest it may modestly help blood sugar control i...
Chromium monograph & interactionsCinnamon bark powder
Interacts with442 drugs
Cassia cinnamon is the common, inexpensive cinnamon used in cooking, and it is also taken as a supplement, most often for blood sugar support. The evi...
Cinnamon bark powder monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, Magnesium Stearate, Hydroxypropylcellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Cinnamon & Chromium by GNC Herbal Plus Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
GNC Herbal Plus Cinnamon & Chromium contains two active ingredients, and together they interact with a significant number of medications.
Chromium is the bigger concern here — it has a Moderate interaction with antidiabetes drugs (insulin, diabetes medications) and levothyroxine (thyroid hormone), plus Minor interactions with NSAIDs and aspirin. The Moderate risk with diabetes drugs is the most serious: chromium may lower blood sugar on its own, so adding it to insulin or diabetes pills could push your glucose too low.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Cinnamon bark powder adds another Moderate interaction with antidiabetes drugs for the same reason — it may lower blood glucose and could work together with your diabetes medication to cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). It also has a Moderate interaction with hepatotoxic drugs (medications that can harm the liver) if you're taking large doses of the supplement over a long time.
Altogether, these interactions span 524 individual medications. If you take any diabetes medication, thyroid hormone, NSAIDs, aspirin, or drugs that are hard on the liver, run your exact medications through the checker on this page before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Cinnamon & Chromium?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Cinnamon & Chromium interact with 523 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 2 ingredients in Cinnamon & Chromium interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Cinnamon bark powder Chromium
Acetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
How Acetylsalicylic Acid interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Acetylsalicylic Acid interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAmlodipine, CelecoxibConsensi
How Amlodipine, Celecoxib interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids) Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Amlodipine, Celecoxib interactionAspirinAngettes 75, ASA, Asaphen, Aspirin, Caprin, Cartia +8 more
How Aspirin interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAspirin, ButalbitalAxotal
How Aspirin, Butalbital interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Butalbital interactionAspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, PhenacetinMarnal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interactionAspirin, CaffeineAnacin
How Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateAnacin w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine BitartrateSynalgos DC
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Dover's PwdAcedoval, Dovacet
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's Pwd interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's Pwd interactionAspirin, Caffeine, HydrocodoneDamason-P
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, PhenacetinLanorinal
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin interactionAspirin, Caffeine, OrphenadrineInvagesic, Invagesic Forte, Norgesic, Norgesic Forte, Orphengesic, Orphengesic Forte
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine interactionAspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium OxideBufferin
How Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide interactionAspirin, CarisoprodolSoma Compound
How Aspirin, Carisoprodol interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Carisoprodol interactionAspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine PhosphateSoma Compound w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlka-Seltzer Plus Cold
How Aspirin, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium BicarbonateAlka-Seltzer Pain Reliever and Antacid
How Aspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate interactionAspirin, Codeine PhosphateAspirin w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Codeine Phosphate, MethocarbamolRobaxisal C
How Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Methocarbamol interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Methocarbamol interactionAspirin, Codeine Phosphate, PhenobarbitalPhenaphen
How Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Phenobarbital interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Phenobarbital interactionAspirin, Diphenhydramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlka Seltzer Plus Night Time Effervescent
How Aspirin, Diphenhydramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Diphenhydramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAspirin, DipyridamoleAggrenox, Asasantin Retard
How Aspirin, Dipyridamole interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Dipyridamole interactionAspirin, Ethoheptazine, MeprobamateEquagesic
How Aspirin, Ethoheptazine, Meprobamate interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Ethoheptazine, Meprobamate interactionAspirin, HydrocodoneAlor 5 500, Lortab ASA
How Aspirin, Hydrocodone interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Hydrocodone interactionAspirin, MeprobamateMicrainin
How Aspirin, Meprobamate interacts with Cinnamon & Chromium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ChromiumNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Read the full Chromium + Aspirin, Meprobamate interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Cinnamon & Chromium with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Cinnamon bark powder
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, cassia cinnamon may have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Cassia cinnamon may lower blood glucose levels, and have additive effects in patients treated with antidiabetic agents. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.
Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, large doses of cassia cinnamon might cause additive effects when used with hepatotoxic drugs.
There is some concern that ingesting large amounts of cassia cinnamon for an extended duration might cause hepatotoxicity in some people. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause hepatotoxicity in animal models. In humans, very high doses of coumarin from 50-7000 mg/day can result in hepatotoxicity that resolves when coumarin use is discontinued. Lower amounts might also cause liver problems in sensitive people, such as those with liver disease or those taking potentially hepatotoxic agents.
Chromium
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, chromium may have additive effects with antidiabetic agents and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some research shows that taking chromium might lower blood glucose levels, especially in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
Insulin
Theoretically, concomitant use of chromium and insulin might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In clinical research, chromium has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity,
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)
Chromium might bind levothyroxine in the intestinal tract and decrease levothyroxine absorption.
Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that taking chromium picolinate 1000 mcg with levothyroxine 1 mg decreases serum levels of levothyroxine by 17% when compared to taking levothyroxine alone. Advise patients to take levothyroxine at least 30 minutes before or 3-4 hours after taking chromium.
Aspirin
Theoretically, aspirin might increase chromium absorption.
Animal research suggests that aspirin may increase chromium absorption and chromium levels in the blood.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Nsaids)
NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Drugs that are prostaglandin inhibitors, such as NSAIDs, seem to increase chromium absorption and retention.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Cinnamon & Chromium, from the product label.
GNC Herbal Plus
See all GNC Herbal Plus products- Name
- General Nutrition Corporation
- City
- Pittsburgh
- State
- PA
- ZipCode
- 15222
- Phone Number
- 1-888-462-2548
- Web Address
- gnc.com
Cinnamon & Chromium by GNC Herbal Plus: Common Questions
Does Cinnamon & Chromium by GNC Herbal Plus interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Will this help with my blood sugar?
What are the most common side effects?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Is it safe while breastfeeding?
What happens if I take this with NSAIDs like ibuprofen?
Why does the product say I shouldn't take chromium long-term?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Cinnamon & Chromium is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Cinnamon & Chromium’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Chromium
Interacts with 178 drugsChromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body handles sugar and fat. Some studies suggest it may modestly help blood sugar control in certain people with type 2 diabetes, b...
Read the full Chromium monograph → Herb & supplement monographCassia Cinnamon
Interacts with 442 drugsCassia cinnamon is the common, inexpensive cinnamon used in cooking, and it is also taken as a supplement, most often for blood sugar support. The evidence for its health benefits is mixed a...
Read the full Cassia Cinnamon monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Cinnamon & Chromium's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 73 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Chromium 53 references
- Cerulli J, Grabe DW, Gauthier I, et al. Chromium picolinate toxicity. Ann Pharmacother 1998;32:428-31. PubMed
- Urberg M, Zemel MB. Evidence for synergism between chromium and nicotinic acid in the control of glucose tolerance in elderly humans. Metabolism 1987;36:896-9. PubMed
- Mohamedshah FY, Moser-Veillon PB, Yamini S, et al. Distribution of a stable isotope of chromium (53Cr) in serum, urine, and breast milk in lactating women. Am J Clin Nutr 1998;67:1250-5. PubMed
- Wasser WG, Feldman NS, D'Agati VD. Chronic renal failure after ingestion of over-the-counter chromium picolinate. [letter]. Ann Intern Med 1997;126:410. PubMed
- Mertz W. Interaction of chromium with insulin: a progress report. Nutr Rev 1998;56:174-7. PubMed
- Anderson RA. Chromium, glucose intolerance and diabetes. J Am Coll Nutr 1998;17:548-55. PubMed
- McLeod MN, Gaynes BN, Golden RN. Chromium potentiation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy for dysthymic disorder in 5 patients. J Clin Psych 1999;60:237-40. PubMed
- Fowler JF Jr. Systemic contact dermatitis caused by oral chromium picolinate. Cutis 2000;65:116. DOI
- Trent LK, Thieding-Cancel D. Effects of chromium picolinate on body composition. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1995;35:273-80.
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
- Rabinovitz H, Friedensohn A, Leibovitz A, et al. Effect of chromium supplementation on blood glucose and lipid levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus elderly patients. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 2004;74:178-82. PubMed
- Lanca S, Alves A, Vieira AI, et al. Chromium-induced toxic hepatitis. Eur J Intern Med 2002;13:518-20. PubMed
- Kockler DR, McCarthy MW, Lawson CL. Seizure activity and unresponsiveness after hydroxycut ingestion. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21:647-51.. PubMed
- Davidson JR, Abraham K, Connor KM, McLeod MN. Effectiveness of chromium in atypical depression: a placebo-controlled trial. Biol Psychiatry 2003;53:261-4.. PubMed
- Food Standards Agency. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals. Available at: http://cot.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/vitmin2003.pdf.
- Mouser JF, Hak EB, Helms RA, et al. Chromium and zinc concentrations in pediatric patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:1950-6. PubMed
- Stevens T, Qadri A, Zein NN. Two patients with acute liver injury associated with use of the herbal weight-loss supplement hydroxycut. Ann Intern Med 2005;142:477-8. PubMed
- Wani S, Weskamp C, Marple J, Spry L. Acute tubular necrosis associated with chromium picolinate-containing dietary supplement. Ann Pharmacother 2006;40:563-6. PubMed
- Kleefstra N, Houweling ST, Jansman FG, et al. Chromium treatment has no effect in patients with poorly controlled, insulin-treated type 2 diabetes in an obese Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Care 2006;29: PubMed
- Martin J, Wang ZQ, Zhang XH, et al. Chromium picolinate supplementation attenuates body weight gain and increases insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2006;29:1826-32. PubMed
- Singer GM, Geohas J. The effect of chromium picolinate and biotin supplementation on glycemic control in poorly controlled patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized trial. Diabetes Technol Ther 2006;8:636-43. PubMed
- John-Kalarickal J, Pearlman G, Carlson HE. New medications which decrease levothyroxine absorption. Thyroid 2007;17:763-5. PubMed
- Yazaki Y, Faridi Z, Ma Y, et al. A pilot study of chromium picolinate for weight loss. J Altern Complement Med 2010;16:291-9. PubMed
- Davis ML, Seaborn CD, and Stoecker BJ. Effects of over-the-counter drugs on chromium retention and urinary excretion in rats. Nutrition Research 1995;15(2):201-210.
- Young P, Turiansky G, Bonner M, and et al. Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by chromium picolinate. J.Am Acad.Dermatol. 1999;41(5 Pt 2):820-823. PubMed
- Gibb, H. J., Lees, P. S., Pinsky, P. F., and Rooney, B. C. Lung cancer among workers in chromium chemical production. Am J Ind.Med 2000;38(2):115-126. DOI
- Gibb, H. J., Lees, P. S., Pinsky, P. F., and Rooney, B. C. Clinical findings of irritation among chromium chemical production workers. Am J Ind.Med 2000;38(2):127-131. PubMed
- Pittler, M. H. and Ernst, E. Dietary supplements for body-weight reduction: a systematic review. Am.J.Clin Nutr. 2004;79(4):529-536. PubMed
- Pei, D., Hsieh, C. H., Hung, Y. J., Li, J. C., Lee, C. H., and Kuo, S. W. The influence of chromium chloride-containing milk to glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Metabolism 2 PubMed
- Hisatomi, K., Ishii, H., Hashiguchi, K., Seki, M., Ide, M., Sugiyama, K., Ishimoto, H., Nakayama, S., Mukae, H., and Kohno, S. Interstitial pneumonia caused by inhalation of fumes of nickel and chrome. Respirology. 2006;11(6):814-817. PubMed
- Kleefstra, N., Houweling, S. T., Bakker, S. J., Verhoeven, S., Gans, R. O., Meyboom-de Jong, B., and Bilo, H. J. Chromium treatment has no effect in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled tri DOI
- Parsons, A., Ingram, J., Inglis, J., Aveyard, P., Johnstone, E., Brown, K., Franklin, M., and Bermudez, I. A proof of concept randomised placebo controlled factorial trial to examine the efficacy of St John's wort for smoking cessation and chromium to pr
- Bagdon RE and Hazen RE. Skin permeation and cutaneous hypersensitivity as a basis for making risk assessments of chromium as a soil contaminant. Environ.Health Perspect. 1991;92:111-119. PubMed
- Bharmal, S. V., Moyes, V., Ahmed, S., and Grossman, A. Hypoglycaemia: possible mediation by chromium salt medication. Hormones.(Athens.) 2010;9(2):181-183. PubMed
- Krol, E., Krejpcio, Z., Byks, H., Bogdanski, P., and Pupek-Musialik, D. Effects of chromium brewer's yeast supplementation on body mass, blood carbohydrates, and lipids and minerals in type 2 diabetic patients. Biol.Trace Elem.Res. 2011;143(2):726-737.
- Unisa, S., Jagannath, P., Dhir, V., Khandelwal, C., Sarangi, L., and Roy, T. K. Population-based study to estimate prevalence and determine risk factors of gallbladder diseases in the rural Gangetic basin of North India. HPB (Oxford) 2011;13(2):117-125. PubMed
- Noda, S., Asano, Y., and Sato, S. Lichen planus in a patient with long-term exposure to chrome. Eur.J.Dermatol. 2011;21(3):417-418. PubMed
- Xiang, J., Sun, Z., and Huan, J. N. Intensive chromic acid burns and acute chromium poisoning with acute renal failure. Chin Med.J.(Engl.) 7-5-2011;124(13):2071-2073.
- Chhabra, D., Oda, K., Jagannath, P., Utsunomiya, H., Takekoshi, S., and Nimura, Y. Chronic heavy metal exposure and gallbladder cancer risk in India, a comparative study with Japan. Asian Pac.J.Cancer Prev. 2012;13(1):187-190. PubMed
- Huszonek, J. Over-the-counter chromium picolinate. Am J Psychiatry 1993;150(10):1560-1561. PubMed
- Bunner S and McGinnis R. Chromium-induced hypoglycemia. Psychosomatics 1998;39(3):298-299. PubMed
- Martin, W. R. and Fuller, R. E. Suspected chromium picolinate-induced rhabdomyolysis. Pharmacotherapy 1998;18(4):860-862. DOI
- Proctor, D. M., Fredrick, M. M., Scott, P. K., Paustenbach, D. J., and Finley, B. L. The prevalence of chromium allergy in the United States and its implications for setting soil cleanup: a cost-effectiveness case study. Regul.Toxicol Pharmacol 1998;28(1 PubMed
- De Marchi S, Cecchin E, De Marchi SU. Systemic allergic dermatitis resulting from oral administration of chromium with a food supplement. Contact Dermatitis 2014;70(2):123-5. PubMed
- Hedberg YS, Gumulka M, Lind ML, Matura M, Lidén C. Severe occupational chromium allergy despite cement legislation. Contact Dermatitis. 2014;70(5):321-3. PubMed
- Thyssen JP, Jellesen MS, Møller P, Menné T, Johansen JD. Allergic chromium dermatitis from wearing 'chromium-free' footwear. Contact Dermatitis 2014;70(3):185-7. PubMed
- Liu Y, Cotillard A, Vatier C, et al. A Dietary Supplement Containing Cinnamon, Chromium and Carnosine Decreases Fasting Plasma Glucose and Increases Lean Mass in Overweight or Obese Pre-Diabetic Subjects: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. PLoS One.
- Jamilian M, Asemi Z. Chromium Supplementation and the Effects on Metabolic Status in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Ann Nutr Metab. 2015;67(1):42-8. PubMed
- Guimarães MM, Carvalho AC, Silva MS. Effect of chromium supplementation on the glucose homeostasis and anthropometry of type 2 diabetic patients: Double blind, randomized clinical trial: Chromium, glucose homeostasis and anthropometry. J Trace Elem Med Bi PubMed
- Paiva AN, Lima JG, Medeiros AC, et al. Beneficial effects of oral chromium picolinate supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical study. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2015;32:66-72. PubMed
- Yin RV, Phung OJ. Effect of chromium supplementation on glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose in patients with diabetes mellitus. Nutr J. 2015;14:14. PubMed
- Jamilian M, Zadeh Modarres S, Amiri Siavashani M, et al. The influences of chromium supplementation on glycemic control, markers of cardio-metabolic risk, and oxidative stress in infertile polycystic ovary syndrome women candidate for in vitro fertilizati
- Alinaghi F, Thyssen JP, Zachariae C, Johansen JD. No immediate effect of regulatory reduction of chromium in leather among adult patients with chromium allergy. Contact Dermatitis 2021;85(5):514-522. PubMed
Cassia Cinnamon 20 references
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
- Khan A, Safdar M, Ali Khan M, et al. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2003;26:3215-8. PubMed
- De Benito V, Alzaga R. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from cassia (Chinese cinnamon) as a flavouring agent in coffee. Contact Dermatitis 1999;40:165. PubMed
- Drake TE, Maibach HI. Allergic contact dermatitis and stomatitis caused by a cinnamic aldehyde-flavored toothpaste. Arch Dermatol 1976;112:202-3.
- Press release. Cinnamon capsules to reduce blood sugar are medicinal products! Efficacy has not been scientifically proven - some products contain high levels of coumarin. Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfM), Germany, November 11, 2006. Available a
- Felter SP, Vassallo JD, Carlton BD, Daston GP. A safety assessment of coumarin taking into account species-specificity of toxicokinetics. Food Chem Toxicol 2006;44:462-75. PubMed
- Crawford P. Effectiveness of cinnamon for lowering hemoglobin A1C in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled trial. J Am Board Fam Med 2009;22:507-12. PubMed
- Akilen, R., Tsiami, A., Devendra, D., and Robinson, N. Glycated haemoglobin and blood pressure-lowering effect of cinnamon in multi-ethnic Type 2 diabetic patients in the UK: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Diabet.Med. 2010; PubMed
- Lu T, Sheng H Wu J Cheng Y Zhu J Chen Y. Cinnamon extract improves fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Nutr Res. 2012;32(6):408-412. PubMed
- Choi, J., Lee, K. T., Ka, H., Jung, W. T., Jung, H. J., and Park, H. J. Constituents of the essential oil of the Cinnamomum cassia stem bark and the biological properties. Arch Pharm Res 2001;24(5):418-423.
- Altschuler JA, Casella SJ, MacKenzie TA, Curtis KM. The effect of cinnamon on A1C among adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2007;30(4):813-6. PubMed
- Stoecker BR, Zhan Z, Luo R, et al. Cinnamon extract lowers blood glucose in hyperglycemic subjects. FASEB J. 2010;22:722.1 (Abstract only). DOI
- Admani S, Hill H, Jacob SE. Cinnamon Sugar Scrub Dermatitis: "Natural" Is Not Always Best. Pediatr Dermatol. 2017;34(1):e42-e43. PubMed
- Isaac-Renton M, Li MK, Parsons LM. Cinnamon spice and everything not nice: many features of intraoral allergy to cinnamic aldehyde. Dermatitis. 2015;26(3):116-21. PubMed
- Vandersall A, Katta R. Eyelid dermatitis as a manifestation of systemic contact dermatitis to cinnamon. Dermatitis. 2015 Jul-Aug;26(4):189. PubMed
- Wickenberg J, Lindstedt S, Nilsson J, Hlebowicz J. Cassia cinnamon does not change the insulin sensitivity or the liver enzymes in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. Nutr J 2014 Sep 24;13:96. PubMed
- Brancheau D, Patel B, Zughaib M. Do cinnamon supplements cause acute hepatitis? Am J Case Rep 2015;16:250-4. PubMed
- Shekarchizadeh-Esfahani P, Heydarpour F, Izadi F, Jalili C. The effect of cinnamon supplementation on liver enzymes in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med 2021;58:102699. PubMed
- Bernaola J, Valverde-Monge M, Otal-Buesa M, Cullen D, Heras-Mendaza F. Cinnamon allergic contact cheilitis. Contact Dermatitis 2023;88(5):418-419. PubMed
- Patel K, Howard M, Tate B. Cheilitis caused by allergic contact dermatitis to cinnamon in chai tea: A case report. Contact Dermatitis 2023;88(3):239-240. PubMed
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC