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Chromium polynicotinate

Chromium polynicotinate suppliers and sourcing guide

Chromium polynicotinate is a complex of trivalent chromium with nicotinic acid (niacin), and sometimes glycine, sold as a source of chromium. It is made by reacting a chromium(III) salt with niacin in water, then isolating and drying the complex to a fine powder. Because the chromium dose is measured in micrograms, brands usually buy it as a diluted trituration or as a branded grade with a stated chromium percentage.

Also known as
Niacin-bound chromium · Chromium nicotinate · Chromium dinicotinate · Chromium(III) polynicotinate
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of chromium polynicotinate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Pure complex

    The undiluted powder with chromium content stated on the specification, used by premix makers and large-volume tablet runs.

  • Triturations

    Chromium polynicotinate diluted on dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose or maltodextrin to a stated chromium level for even dosing.

  • Branded grades

    Trademarked niacin-bound chromium sold with its own specification, documentation and label wording.

  • Mineral premixes

    Custom blends that combine chromium polynicotinate with other trace minerals at fixed ratios.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Chromium assay
Total chromium by ICP-OES or atomic absorption, reported as a percentage of the powder.
Niacin content and identity
Nicotinic acid by HPLC and IR or UV identity, to confirm the complex and report free niacin.
Hexavalent chromium
A limit test for chromium(VI), which should not be present in a chromium(III) ingredient.
Loss on drying
Moisture of the powder or trituration.
Heavy metals and microbiology
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS, plus total plate count, yeast and mold.
Content uniformity
Assays across a trituration lot to show the low-percentage blend is even.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store chromium polynicotinate in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from light and oxidizing agents. Triturations need the same protection from moisture because the carrier can take up water. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and chromium content is retested on aged stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the chromium assay, dilution strength and hexavalent chromium result for each lot, and double-check dosing math between pure and diluted grades. Keep supplier documentation for branded material on file with the lot.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 614 for chromium polynicotinate, notified by Exponent, Inc. for use in a category of water beverages at a maximum use level of 575 micrograms per liter, closed on April 12, 2016 with FDA having no questions.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
  • Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists chromium (III) nicotinate and chromium (III) dinicotinate among the source ingredients for chromium (Table 2).

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
  • 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for chromium at 35 mcg for adults and children 4 years and older.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Chromium polynicotinate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking chromium polynicotinate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell chromium polynicotinate? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of chromium polynicotinate can brands buy?

Common forms include pure complex, triturations, branded grades and mineral premixes. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for chromium polynicotinate include?

Expect chromium assay, niacin content and identity, hexavalent chromium, loss on drying, heavy metals and microbiology and content uniformity, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should chromium polynicotinate be stored?

Store chromium polynicotinate in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from light and oxidizing agents. Triturations need the same protection from moisture because the carrier can take up water. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and chromium content is retested on aged stock.

What is the regulatory status of chromium polynicotinate?

FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 614 for chromium polynicotinate, notified by Exponent, Inc. for use in a category of water beverages at a maximum use level of 575 micrograms per liter, closed on April 12, 2016 with FDA having no questions. Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists chromium (III) nicotinate and chromium (III) dinicotinate among the source ingredients for chromium (Table 2). 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for chromium at 35 mcg for adults and children 4 years and older.

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