Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Crominex® 3+ is a Natreon-branded chromium complex that combines chromium polynicotinate with Capros® standardized amla extract and PrimaVie® purified shilajit. The three components are positioned as complementary: chromium polynicotinate for insulin signaling, amla polyphenols for endothelial and oxidative support, and shilajit fulvic acid for mineral cofactor delivery. Direct human trials of the finished Crominex® 3+ blend have been published — including a 12-week randomized controlled trial in adults with multiple metabolic syndrome risk factors — supplemented by extensive evidence on each of the constituent ingredients separately. Chromium-only RCTs in type 2 diabetes are mixed, so the formula leans on the synergistic case across all three actives.

Studied Dose 400 μg or 800 μg chromium daily as the Crominex blend (with proportional amla and shilajit) used in a 12-week RCT in adults with metabolic syndrome risk factors. Finished-product dose: follow label.
Active Compound Chromium polynicotinate + Capros® standardized Phyllanthus emblica (amla) extract + PrimaVie® purified shilajit (fulvic and dibenzo-α-pyrone-rich)

Benefits

Metabolic syndrome marker support

A 12-week randomized controlled trial of the Crominex 3+-style chromium + Phyllanthus emblica + shilajit complex in adults with metabolic syndrome risk factors reported improvements in pulse wave velocity, flow-mediated dilation, insulin sensitivity markers, and lipid profile, particularly at the higher-dose arm.

Endothelial function support

The amla (Capros®) component supports endothelial function and reduces oxidative stress in cardiometabolic populations, contributing to the formula's vascular-tone benefits as observed in the combined human trial.

Healthy lipid profile

The amla component of the complex consistently reduces calculated LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol/HDL ratio, and hsCRP in overweight adults and people with metabolic syndrome, supporting the lipid endpoints reported in the combined Crominex-style trial.

Insulin sensitivity support

Chromium contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and supports insulin receptor signaling, while the amla polyphenol component independently supports glycemic markers — together backing the insulin-sensitivity gains seen in the combined trial.

Mechanism of action

1

Chromium and insulin receptor signaling

Chromium is a cofactor for chromodulin (low-molecular-weight chromium-binding substance), which amplifies insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity and supports normal glucose uptake in insulin-responsive tissues.

2

Amla galloyl-tannin antioxidant defense

Emblicanin A and B and gallic acid from the Capros® amla component quench reactive oxygen species, reduce LDL oxidation, and preserve endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability, contributing to the vascular endpoints observed in the combined trial.

3

Shilajit mineral and electron-transport support

Purified shilajit (PrimaVie®) provides fulvic acid and dibenzo-α-pyrones that act as mineral carriers and may support mitochondrial electron-transport efficiency, complementing the chromium and amla components in the proprietary blend.

4

Endothelial NO and inflammation modulation

The combined amla + shilajit polyphenol load reduces NF-κB-driven inflammation and supports nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation, helping explain the improvements in flow-mediated dilation and pulse wave velocity observed in the Crominex-style RCT.

Clinical trials

1
Chromium + Phyllanthus emblica + Shilajit Complex in MetS Risk

12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 166 sedentary adults (≥2 metabolic syndrome risk factors, mean BMI ~34) testing the Crominex-style complex at 400 μg chromium + 6 mg P. emblica + 6 mg shilajit and 800 μg chromium + 12 mg P. emblica + 12 mg shilajit versus P. emblica-only arms and placebo. Endpoints: pulse wave velocity, flow-mediated dilation, platelet aggregation, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, body composition.

166 sedentary adults with metabolic syndrome risk factors (109 completers). 12 weeks.

Greater benefits were observed with the higher-dose Crominex-style arm and the higher-dose P. emblica arm, with improvements in pulse wave velocity, flow-mediated dilation, platelet aggregation, insulin sensitivity markers, and lipid profile — most pronounced around 6 weeks. The combined formula performed favorably against the comparators.

2
Standardized Amla Extract for Endothelial Function in T2D

Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in 80 adults with type 2 diabetes; standardized P. emblica extract (250 or 500 mg twice daily) versus atorvastatin 10 mg and placebo over 12 weeks. Endpoints: endothelial function (reflection index), malondialdehyde, glutathione, hsCRP, lipid profile, HbA1c.

80 adults with type 2 diabetes. 12 weeks.

All active groups significantly improved endothelial reflection index versus placebo, with the 500 mg twice-daily amla arm producing reductions in malondialdehyde and hsCRP comparable to atorvastatin 10 mg. Lipid profile and HbA1c also improved. Supports the amla component of the Crominex blend.

3
Chromium Nicotinate for Glucose Control in T2D

Double-blind randomized clinical trial in 56 adults with type 2 diabetes testing 50 μg or 200 μg chromium nicotinate versus placebo for 90 days. Endpoints: HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, glucose, lipid profile, body composition.

56 adults with type 2 diabetes. 90 days.

Neither 50 μg nor 200 μg chromium nicotinate produced clinically significant improvements in glucose homeostasis or anthropometry versus placebo. A modest weight reduction (~1 kg) was seen in the lower-dose group. Illustrates why the Crominex formulation combines chromium with amla and shilajit rather than relying on chromium alone.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Mild gastrointestinal discomfort or loose stools at higher doses of the blend.
Headache or dizziness in a small percentage of users.
Possible additive blood-glucose-lowering effects in people with diabetes.
Allergic reaction to amla or shilajit components in sensitive individuals.
Very rare reports of liver enzyme changes with high-dose chromium products.

Important Drug interactions

Insulin and oral antidiabetic medications (metformin, sulfonylureas) — additive glucose-lowering; monitor.
Levothyroxine — chromium may reduce thyroid hormone absorption; separate by 4 hours.
Antiplatelets and anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin) — amla may reduce platelet aggregation; monitor.
Statins and other lipid-lowering drugs — overlapping LDL and oxidative effects; monitor lipids.

Frequently asked questions about Crominex® 3+

What is the recommended dosage of Crominex® 3+?

The clinically studied dose for Crominex® 3+ is 400 μg or 800 μg chromium daily as the Crominex blend (with proportional amla and shilajit) used in a 12-week RCT in adults with metabolic syndrome risk factors. Finished-product dose: follow label.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Crominex® 3+ used for?

Crominex® 3+ is studied for metabolic syndrome marker support, endothelial function support, healthy lipid profile. A 12-week randomized controlled trial of the Crominex 3+-style chromium + Phyllanthus emblica + shilajit complex in adults with metabolic syndrome risk factors reported improvements in pulse wave velocity, flow-mediated dilation, insulin sensitivity …

Are there side effects from taking Crominex® 3+?

Reported potential side effects may include: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort or loose stools at higher doses of the blend. Headache or dizziness in a small percentage of users. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Does Crominex® 3+ interact with medications?

Known drug interactions may include: Insulin and oral antidiabetic medications (metformin, sulfonylureas) — additive glucose-lowering; monitor. Levothyroxine — chromium may reduce thyroid hormone absorption; separate by 4 hours. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.

Is Crominex® 3+ good for metabolic health?

Yes, Crominex® 3+ is researched for Metabolic Health support. A 12-week randomized controlled trial of the Crominex 3+-style chromium + Phyllanthus emblica + shilajit complex in adults with metabolic syndrome risk factors reported improvements in pulse wave velocity, flow-mediated dilation, insulin sensitivity markers, and lipid profile, pa…

References(3 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Martinez V, McAngus K, Dickerson BL, et al. Effects of 12 Weeks of Chromium, Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Extract, and Shilajit Supplementation on Markers of Cardiometabolic Health, Fitness, and Weight Loss in Men and Women with Risk Factors to Metabolic Syndrome. Nutrients. 2025;17(12):2042. doi: 10.3390/nu17122042.PubMedUsed to support: 166 sedentary adults with metabolic syndrome risk factors; 12 weeks of a Crominex 3+-style chromium + P. emblica + shilajit complex (400 μg or 800 μg chromium with proportional amla and shilajit) produced improvements in pulse wave velocity, flow-mediated dilation, platelet aggregation, insulin sensitivity markers, and lipid profile, with greater benefit at the higher-dose arms. Most directly relevant trial for the Crominex 3+ ingredient blend.
  2. Usharani P, Fatima N, Muralidhar N. Effects of Phyllanthus emblica extract on endothelial dysfunction and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2013;6:275-84. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S46341.PubMedUsed to support: 80 T2D adults; 12 weeks of standardized P. emblica at 250 or 500 mg twice daily significantly improved endothelial reflection index, reduced malondialdehyde, and lowered hsCRP versus placebo, with the higher dose comparable to atorvastatin 10 mg. Supports the amla (Capros®) component of the Crominex 3+ formulation.
  3. Guimarães MM, Carvalho ACMS, Silva MS. Effect of chromium supplementation on the glucose homeostasis and anthropometry of type 2 diabetic patients: Double blind, randomized clinical trial. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2016;36:65-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.04.002.PubMedUsed to support: 56 adults with type 2 diabetes; 90 days of chromium nicotinate at 50 or 200 μg did not significantly improve glucose homeostasis or anthropometry versus placebo. Illustrates that chromium-alone trials in T2D are mixed-to-negative — context for why the Crominex 3+ design combines chromium with amla and shilajit.