Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Glucose Essentials Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Whitaker

Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Glucose Essentials is a dietary supplement by Dr. Whitaker with 6 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, 1,087 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Gymnema extract, Banaba extract, Vanadyl Sulfate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Glucose Essentials by Dr. Whitaker

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.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 6 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Glucose Essentials contains six active ingredients: chromium, vanadyl sulfate, banaba extract, Indian Kino Tree extract, gymnema extract, and purslane extract. The product also includes inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate — as binders and capsule material.

Chromium is a trace mineral your body needs for healthy blood sugar control. Vanadyl sulfate is a form of vanadium, another mineral linked to glucose metabolism.

Banaba and gymnema are plant extracts traditionally used in metabolic support, while purslane and Indian Kino Tree extract round out the formula.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Blood sugar support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Diabetes, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Hypoglycemia, Metabolic syndrome, Hyperlipidemia, Chromium deficiency — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Vanadium is rated "Likely Effective" for Vanadium deficiency (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Chromium is rated "Likely Effective" for Chromium deficiency.
  • Also on file: Chromium is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes.

The evidence for what Glucose Essentials can do varies by ingredient. Chromium is likely effective for chromium deficiency itself and possibly effective for diabetes — some research suggests it may help lower blood glucose, especially in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

However, for prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance), the evidence leans possibly ineffective. Vanadium, banaba, gymnema, and purslane all lack reliable evidence in our data — we cannot yet say whether they work for the conditions the product targets.

This doesn't mean they're ineffective, only that large, well-designed human studies haven't confirmed their benefit yet.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Chromium Vanadium Banaba Gymnema

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Chromium is generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses, though the safety notes caution that high or long-term doses may carry risks. Most common side effects are mild — gastrointestinal upset, headaches, insomnia, irritability, or mood changes.

Rare serious effects including kidney and liver damage and blood cell problems have been reported, as have skin rashes and contact dermatitis in people sensitive to chromium. Vanadyl sulfate is well tolerated below the upper limit of 1.8 mg daily, but higher doses may cause gastrointestinal problems (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort) or, at high long-term doses, kidney damage.

Banaba extract appears well tolerated in short-term studies, though long-term safety isn't established; reported side effects include dizziness, headache, stomach upset, tremor, and weakness. Gymnema is generally well tolerated short-term and can lower blood sugar, but quality varies between products; a rare case of drug-induced liver damage has been reported.

We hold no pregnancy or lactation safety data for banaba or gymnema in our records.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Chromium Vanadium Banaba Gymnema

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Vanadium, Gymnema, Chromium, Banaba.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,088 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Glucose Essentials, talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of these medication types: insulin or other antidiabetes drugs (risk of low blood sugar), levothyroxine or other thyroid medications (reduced absorption), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, blood pressure medications, or drugs that are metabolized by the liver enzymes CYP1A2, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4. Aspirin and NSAIDs may also interact.

The product has the potential to affect many medications, so checking your exact list is important.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

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.

Glucose Essentials may help support blood sugar control if you have chromium deficiency or type 2 diabetes, though evidence for the other ingredients isn't established. If you take insulin, antidiabetes medications, blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, or thyroid medication, you need to check your specific medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the interactions are real and can affect how your drugs work or your blood sugar.

This product isn't right for pregnancy or breastfeeding without your doctor's advice.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 23, 2019.

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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Glucose Essentials, straight from the product label.

Brand Dr. Whitaker
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 23, 2019
DSLD ID 207838
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
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 Glucose Essentials by Dr. Whitaker, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
IngredientAmount% DV
Chromium66 mcg55%
Vanadyl Sulfate33 mg--
Banaba extract18 mg--
Indian Kino Tree extract150 mg--
Gymnema extract133 mg--
Purslane extract60 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gelatin, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
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.
General Statements

For blood sugar support

Formula

With research levels of Silbinol, Portusana, and vanadyl sulfate.

Standardized levels: Indian Kino Tree extract: 5% pterostilbene, 0.01% epicatechin; Gymnema extract: 25% gymnemic acids; Banaba extract: 1% corosolic acid

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Doctor's suggested use: take 3 capsules daily; 1 before each meal. Do not exceed 3 capsules daily or take additional vanadyl sulfate without consulting a health care professional.

Precautions

Do not exceed 3 capsules daily or take additional vanadyl sulfate without consulting a health care professional.

Warning: if you are on insulin treatment, or are pregnant or lactating, consult a health care professional before using this product. If you are on oral hypoglycemic agents, this product may require an adjustment in your medication. Always consult a health care professional before making an adjustment.

Note: Vanadyl sulfate may cause a harmless darkening of stools. Use of this product may result in gastrointestinal upset including loose stools, abdominal discomfort, or nausea.

Keep out of reach of children.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Silbinol (Indian Kino Tree Extract) is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation. GS4 Plus (Gymnema extract) is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation. Portusana EFLA 308 is a registered trademark of Frutarom USA, Inc.

Seals/Symbols

GF Gluten Free

Formulation

GF Gluten Free

See for yourself

Glucose Essentials by Dr. Whitaker label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Glucose Essentials by Dr. Whitaker

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 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 with
178 drugs
66 mcg per serving Form: Chromium Polynicotinate

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 & interactions

Vanadyl Sulfate

Interacts with
208 drugs
33 mg per serving

Vanadium is a trace mineral found in tiny amounts in food, and people get plenty from a normal diet. Supplement claims for diabetes, weight, and athle...

Vanadyl Sulfate monograph & interactions

Banaba extract

Interacts with
299 drugs
18 mg per serving

Banaba is a leaf extract most often used to help support healthy blood sugar, and small early studies suggest its active compound corosolic acid may m...

Banaba extract monograph & interactions

Indian Kino Tree extract

150 mg per serving

Gymnema extract

Interacts with
851 drugs
133 mg per serving

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb best known for possibly helping lower blood sugar and reducing the taste of sweetness on the tongue. Some early human stu...

Gymnema extract monograph & interactions

Purslane extract

60 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gelatin, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Glucose Essentials by Dr. Whitaker Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Glucose Essentials?

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1,087Drugs
618 Moderate 469 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Chromium 178

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Glucose Essentials 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.

Gymnema extract6 drug types · 851 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking gymnema with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Gymnema reduces blood glucose levels in some human and animal research. In human studies, it has been shown to enhance the blood glucose lowering effects of hypoglycemic drugs. However, other research in adults with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome suggests that gymnema does not reduce fasting levels of blood glucose. Until more is known, monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Animal and in vitro research shows that gymnema can inhibit the CYP1A2 enzyme. In one animal study, oral administration of gymnema for 7 days increased the plasma concentrations of phenacetin, a CYP1A2 substrate, by about 1.4-fold and reduced the clearance of phenacetin by about 29%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Animal research shows that gymnema can induce the CYP2C9 enzyme. In one animal study, gymnema caused a 2.4-fold increase in the clearance of tolbutamide, a CYP2C9 substrate, in rats. In vitro research also shows that gymnema can inhibit CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenacetin

Theoretically, taking gymnema with phenacetin might increase the levels of phenacetin.
Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, decreases the clearance of phenacetin in a dose-dependent manner by about 21% to 29% and increases plasma levels about 1.3- to 1.4-fold when compared to control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tolbutamide (Orinase)

Theoretically, taking gymnema with tolbutamide might the decrease levels of tolbutamide.
Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, increases the clearance of tolbutamide by 2.4-fold when compared to control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
One in vitro study using rat liver microsomes shows that gymnema can modestly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme. However, other in vitro research using human liver microsomes shows that gymnema does not affect CYP3A4 activity. Animal research also shows that gymnema does not alter the function of CYP3A4. In one study in rats, oral administration of gymnema for 7 days did not alter the clearance of amlodipine, a CYP3A4 substrate.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Banaba extract3 drug types · 299 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of banaba and hypoglycemic drugs might have additive effects.
Human and animal research suggests that banaba can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of banaba and antihypertensive drugs might cause additive effects.
Human and animal research suggests that banaba can lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, concomitant use of banaba with substrates of OATP might reduce the bioavailability of the OATP substrate.
In vitro research shows that banaba inhibits OATP, particularly OATP2B1. OATPs are expressed in the small intestine and liver and are responsible for the absorption of drugs and other compounds.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Vanadyl Sulfate2 drug types · 208 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, vanadium might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that the sodium orthovanadate form of vanadium prolongs clotting time, likely through inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, vanadium might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
A few very small clinical studies in patients with type 2 diabetes show that the vanadyl sulfate form of vanadium increases insulin sensitivity and might lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B

Chromium5 drug types · 178 drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
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,

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, aspirin might increase chromium absorption.
Animal research suggests that aspirin may increase chromium absorption and chromium levels in the blood.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Glucose Essentials, from the product label.

Dr. Whitaker

See all Dr. Whitaker products
Name
Healthy Directions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Glucose Essentials by Dr. Whitaker: Common Questions

Does Glucose Essentials by Dr. Whitaker interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Glucose Essentials has a known interaction with 1,087 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Glucose Essentials contains 6 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Glucose Essentials if I'm on insulin or a diabetes drug?
You should not start this product without checking with your doctor first. Both chromium and vanadyl sulfate in Glucose Essentials can lower blood sugar on their own, and adding them to insulin or diabetes medications may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your doctor may need to adjust your medication dose or monitor your blood sugar more closely if you take this product.
Can I take this if I'm on levothyroxine (Synthroid)?
Not without talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Chromium in this product can bind levothyroxine in your gut and reduce how much your body absorbs — clinical research shows a 17% drop in thyroid hormone levels — which could weaken your thyroid control. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking them at different times or adjusting your levothyroxine dose.
Is Glucose Essentials safe during pregnancy?
Chromium in small amounts from food or prenatal vitamins is considered likely safe, but the data advises against extra chromium supplement doses unless your doctor recommends it. Vanadium, banaba, and gymnema all have safety concerns in pregnancy — there isn't enough data, or the data suggests they should be avoided. Talk with your doctor about whether this product is right for you.
What are the most common side effects?
From chromium, you might experience gastrointestinal upset, headaches, insomnia, irritability, or mood changes. Vanadyl sulfate at higher doses can cause nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort. Banaba and gymnema may cause dizziness, headache, stomach upset, tremor, or weakness. Serious side effects are rare but have included liver and kidney problems.
Does the product actually work for blood sugar or diabetes?
Chromium is possibly effective for diabetes — some research shows it may lower blood glucose, especially in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. For prediabetes, the evidence leans possibly ineffective. The other ingredients — vanadium, banaba, gymnema, and purslane — lack reliable human evidence in our data, so we can't say whether they work.
Can I take this with aspirin or ibuprofen?
Aspirin and NSAIDs like ibuprofen may increase how much chromium your body absorbs, which could raise chromium levels. This is a Minor interaction, but if you take these pain relievers regularly, mention Glucose Essentials to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure there's no concern for your situation.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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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.

Glucose Essentials label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Glucose Essentials'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.

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 87 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
  1. Cerulli J, Grabe DW, Gauthier I, et al. Chromium picolinate toxicity. Ann Pharmacother 1998;32:428-31. PubMed
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Mertz W. Interaction of chromium with insulin: a progress report. Nutr Rev 1998;56:174-7. PubMed
  6. Anderson RA. Chromium, glucose intolerance and diabetes. J Am Coll Nutr 1998;17:548-55. PubMed
  7. 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
  8. Fowler JF Jr. Systemic contact dermatitis caused by oral chromium picolinate. Cutis 2000;65:116. DOI
  9. Trent LK, Thieding-Cancel D. Effects of chromium picolinate on body composition. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1995;35:273-80.
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. Lanca S, Alves A, Vieira AI, et al. Chromium-induced toxic hepatitis. Eur J Intern Med 2002;13:518-20. PubMed
  13. Kockler DR, McCarthy MW, Lawson CL. Seizure activity and unresponsiveness after hydroxycut ingestion. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21:647-51.. PubMed
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. John-Kalarickal J, Pearlman G, Carlson HE. New medications which decrease levothyroxine absorption. Thyroid 2007;17:763-5. PubMed
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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.
  36. 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
  37. 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
  38. 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.
  39. 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
  40. Huszonek, J. Over-the-counter chromium picolinate. Am J Psychiatry 1993;150(10):1560-1561. PubMed
  41. Bunner S and McGinnis R. Chromium-induced hypoglycemia. Psychosomatics 1998;39(3):298-299. PubMed
  42. Martin, W. R. and Fuller, R. E. Suspected chromium picolinate-induced rhabdomyolysis. Pharmacotherapy 1998;18(4):860-862. DOI
  43. 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
  44. 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
  45. 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
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Vanadium 15 references
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Banaba 7 references
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Gymnema 12 references
  1. Shanmugasundaram ER, Rajeswari G, Baskaran K, et al. Use of Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract in the control of blood glucose in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;30:281-94. PubMed
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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.

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