# Chromium Chloride Hexahydrate **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/chromium-chloride-hexahydrate **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-04-01 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Mineral **Also Known As:** CrCl₃·6H₂O, Chromic chloride hexahydrate, Chromium(III) chloride hexahydrate, Chromium trichloride hexahydrate, Hexahydrated chromium chloride, Trivalent chromium chloride hexahydrate ## Overview Chromium chloride hexahydrate (CrCl₃·6H₂O) is an inorganic trivalent chromium salt used primarily as a pharmaceutical-grade chromium source in Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) solutions for hospitalized patients. It delivers ionic Cr³⁺ to support trace mineral requirements when oral or enteral feeding is not possible, though no clinical efficacy data exists for its use as a standalone dietary supplement. ## Health Benefits • No documented health benefits - the research provides no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for this compound as a biomedical ingredient • Limited to use as a chromium source in Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) solutions - no efficacy data provided • No therapeutic evidence documented in the available sources • No biomedical mechanisms or pathways described • Functions solely as a chemical reagent and industrial compound rather than a health supplement ## Mechanism of Action Chromium chloride hexahydrate dissociates in aqueous solution to release trivalent chromium ions (Cr³⁺), which are proposed to potentiate insulin signaling by facilitating insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activation, possibly through a low-molecular-weight chromium-binding oligopeptide called chromodulin. Chromodulin is hypothesized to bind Cr³⁺ and interact with the insulin receptor to amplify downstream phosphorylation cascades involving IRS-1 and PI3K pathways. However, this mechanism remains incompletely characterized in human physiology, and the bioavailability of inorganic CrCl₃ is extremely low, estimated at less than 1% of ingested dose. ## Clinical Summary No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted specifically using chromium chloride hexahydrate as a biomedical or dietary supplement ingredient. Its documented clinical use is strictly limited to intravenous TPN formulations, where it serves as a chromium additive at doses typically ranging from 10–15 mcg/day for adults, as recommended by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). Evidence supporting general chromium supplementation for glucose metabolism, [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), or weight management comes from studies using other forms such as chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate, and cannot be extrapolated to this compound. The overall evidence base for any chromium form in healthy individuals remains weak and inconsistent across the published literature. ## Nutritional Profile Chromium Chloride Hexahydrate (CrCl₃·6H₂O, molecular weight ~266.45 g/mol) is an inorganic chromium(III) salt providing trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺) as its sole bioactive mineral constituent. Each molecule yields approximately 19.5% chromium by weight (i.e., ~52.0 g Cr per 266.45 g compound). It contains no macronutrients (zero protein, fat, carbohydrate, or fiber), no vitamins, and no organic bioactive compounds. The compound also provides chloride ions (~39.9% by weight, ~3 Cl⁻ per molecule). In pharmaceutical/clinical settings, it is typically supplied as a sterile solution at concentrations of 4 mcg Cr³⁺/mL (equivalent to ~20.5 mcg CrCl₃·6H₂O/mL) for addition to Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) admixtures. The recommended daily TPN supplementation provides 10–15 mcg of elemental chromium for adults, with the adequate intake (AI) for chromium generally cited at 20–35 mcg/day for adults. Bioavailability considerations: when delivered intravenously via TPN, bioavailability is effectively 100% since gastrointestinal absorption is bypassed entirely. By contrast, oral bioavailability of inorganic chromium(III) salts is extremely poor, estimated at only 0.4–2.0% of ingested dose. Chromium from this compound is not chelated or complexed with organic ligands (unlike chromium picolinate or chromium nicotinate), which contributes to its low oral absorption. The compound provides no [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity, no polyphenols, no amino acids, no essential fatty acids, and no dietary fiber. It is hygroscopic, freely soluble in water, and dissociates completely in aqueous solution to release Cr³⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. No other trace minerals or contaminants are present in pharmaceutical-grade preparations. It is classified strictly as a mineral/trace element source rather than a nutritional supplement with broad nutrient content. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for oral forms such as extract, powder, or standardized versions. The compound is used solely in intravenous Total Parenteral Nutrition as a chromium source, but specific doses are not detailed in the research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Chromium chloride hexahydrate administered intravenously in TPN has a well-documented safety profile at physiological doses (10–15 mcg/day for adults), but excess intravenous chromium can accumulate in tissues including the liver and kidneys, posing toxicity risks in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Oral ingestion of inorganic chromium salts like CrCl₃ is generally considered low-risk due to extremely poor gastrointestinal absorption (<1%), but high oral doses may cause gastrointestinal irritation. Potential drug interactions include reduced chromium absorption when co-administered with antacids containing calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide, and NSAIDs such as indomethacin and aspirin may increase chromium absorption unpredictably. Chromium chloride hexahydrate should not be used as a self-administered supplement during pregnancy without medical supervision, as safe supplemental dosing beyond established adequate intake levels (29–30 mcg/day for pregnant women) has not been studied. ## Scientific Research The research dossier reveals a complete absence of human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses for chromium chloride hexahydrate as a biomedical ingredient. No PubMed PMIDs, sample sizes, or therapeutic outcomes are documented in any of the sources. The compound is referenced only as a sterile additive for Total Parenteral Nutrition without accompanying clinical evidence. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses are documented for chromium chloride hexahydrate in any traditional medical systems. It is a modern synthetic compound used primarily in chemical synthesis, water treatment, catalysis, and plating applications rather than traditional medicine. ## Synergistic Combinations Not applicable - no synergistic ingredients identified due to lack of supplement use ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is chromium chloride hexahydrate used for? Chromium chloride hexahydrate is used almost exclusively as a pharmaceutical-grade additive in Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) solutions to supply trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺) to patients who cannot consume food orally. Typical adult TPN formulations include 10–15 mcg of chromium per day from this compound. It is not approved or evidence-supported as a standalone dietary supplement for any health condition. ### Is chromium chloride hexahydrate the same as chromium picolinate? No, chromium chloride hexahydrate (CrCl₃·6H₂O) is an inorganic trivalent chromium salt with very low oral bioavailability (<1%), while chromium picolinate is an organic chelate of Cr³⁺ and picolinic acid with significantly higher estimated bioavailability. Most human clinical research on chromium supplementation has been conducted using chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate, and those results cannot be directly applied to chromium chloride hexahydrate. The two compounds differ substantially in absorption, tissue distribution, and research evidence. ### What is the recommended dose of chromium chloride hexahydrate in TPN? According to ASPEN guidelines, the standard chromium dose delivered via TPN is approximately 10–15 mcg/day for stable adult patients, provided as chromium chloride hexahydrate in the IV admixture. Patients with intestinal losses, such as those with short bowel syndrome, may require higher amounts, but dosing must be individualized and monitored by a clinical pharmacist or physician. There is no established supplemental dosing protocol for oral use of this specific compound. ### Can chromium chloride hexahydrate help with blood sugar or insulin resistance? There is no clinical evidence that chromium chloride hexahydrate specifically improves blood glucose control or insulin sensitivity in humans. While trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺) in general has been theorized to support insulin receptor signaling through the chromodulin pathway, this has not been demonstrated in controlled trials using the hexahydrate salt form. Any discussions of chromium and blood sugar management are based on studies of other chromium forms, primarily chromium picolinate, and even those results are considered inconclusive by major health authorities. ### Is chromium chloride hexahydrate safe to take as a supplement? Chromium chloride hexahydrate is not typically sold or recommended as a retail dietary supplement; its use is confined to clinical TPN settings under medical supervision. Oral exposure to inorganic CrCl₃ is generally low-risk due to minimal gastrointestinal absorption, but it has not been evaluated in safety trials as a supplement ingredient. Individuals with kidney or liver disease are at elevated risk from any chromium accumulation, and self-supplementation with this compound outside a clinical context is not supported by current evidence or regulatory guidance. ### What is the difference between chromium chloride hexahydrate and other chromium forms used in medical settings? Chromium chloride hexahydrate is specifically formulated for intravenous use in Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) solutions, whereas other chromium forms like picolinate or polynicotinate are designed for oral supplementation. The hexahydrate salt form provides stability and solubility required for IV administration, making it unsuitable for standard dietary supplement use. This form is exclusively used in clinical medical nutrition settings under healthcare provider supervision. ### How does chromium chloride hexahydrate differ in structure from other chromium salts? Chromium chloride hexahydrate is a crystalline salt containing six water molecules bound to the chromium compound, which enhances its solubility in aqueous solutions necessary for parenteral nutrition formulas. Other chromium salts may have different hydration states or be bound to different anions, affecting their chemical stability and bioavailability in different delivery systems. The hexahydrate structure is specifically chosen for TPN compatibility and shelf-stability. ### Why is chromium chloride hexahydrate used in TPN instead of oral chromium supplements? Chromium chloride hexahydrate is selected for TPN because it provides reliable IV bioavailability for patients unable to eat or absorb nutrients through the digestive tract, ensuring chromium delivery directly into the bloodstream. Oral chromium supplements are inappropriate for parenteral nutrition as they cannot be administered intravenously and would bypass the intended clinical population. TPN-grade chromium chloride hexahydrate meets strict pharmaceutical purity and sterility standards required for medical use. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*