Chromium dosage

Chromium (Cr) is a naturally occurring metallic element found in the Earth's crust, used in numerous industrial and biological applications. It exists in various oxidation states, two of which are the main ones:

• Trivalent chromium (Cr III): an essential form for the body, involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.
• Hexavalent chromium (Cr VI): a highly toxic and carcinogenic form, resulting from industrial processes (metallurgy, electroplating, dyes, leather, pigments).

Chromium analysis is essential to distinguish between these two forms and to ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and the protection of human and animal health.

Why measure chromium levels?

Controlling chromium in food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, or environmental products addresses several major challenges:

• Ensure regulatory compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 and ISO/EN standards, which set the maximum permissible levels of total chromium and chromium VI.
• Evaluate the nutritional quality of chromium-enriched food supplements (chromium picolinate, chromium chloride, Cr III enriched yeast).
• Detect contamination of soil, water, plants or food by chromium VI from industrial sources.
• Ensuring the safety of cosmetics and packaging, where chromium can migrate from pigments or metallic materials.
• Check the conformity of animal feed and plant raw materials.

Chromium testing is therefore applicable in regulatory control contexts as in environmental, nutritional and toxicological studies .

Analytical methods used

At YesWeLab , chromium analyses are carried out using high-sensitivity atomic spectrometry techniques, compliant with international standards and accredited to ISO 17025 .

ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry)
is the reference method for detecting total chromium at trace levels, with quantification limits below one microgram per liter. It allows for the simultaneous measurement of several heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni, As) in a single analysis.

ICP-OES (or ICP-AES – inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry)
is used for the quantification of chromium in solid matrices, both food and environmental, at moderate concentrations. It offers excellent reproducibility and is suitable for mineralized samples (soils, sludge, food, powders).

AAS (atomic absorption spectroscopy)
An alternative method used for targeted analyses of a single metal. Combined with a chemical separation step, it also allows the speciation of chromium , i.e., the distinction between Cr(III) and Cr(VI).

These analyses follow the standards NF EN ISO 15586 , NF EN 1233 , NF EN 11885 and AOAC 999.10 , guaranteeing the traceability and reliability of the results.

Industrial and scientific applications

Chromium analysis is an essential control tool in many sectors:

Human nutrition and nutritional supplements:
Measurement of trivalent chromium in food supplements , fortified products, or formulations for metabolic purposes. Verification of compliance with declared levels and the absence of hexavalent chromium.

Animal nutrition
Monitoring of chromium in additives, premixes and raw materials intended for animal feed, in accordance with European regulations.

Cosmetics and contact materials:
Verification of chromium content in pigments, dyes, inks, packaging and metal accessories , in order to avoid any migration or allergic reaction.

Environment and agriculture:
Monitoring of chromium contamination in soils, water, and sediments near industrial areas. These analyses are essential for assessing the ecological impact and preventing the risks of bioaccumulation.

Affected matrices

• Dietary supplements and mineral powders
• Foods of plant or animal origin
• Drinking water, wastewater, natural water
• Soils, mud, fertilizers and sediments
• Cosmetic products and packaging materials

Recommended Related Analyses

For a comprehensive elemental and toxicological profile assessment, YesWeLab recommends combining chromium analysis with:
Nickel (Ni) analysis to identify allergenic metals in finished products;
Cadmium (Cd) analysis to assess cross-contamination from environmental sources;
Lead (Pb) analysis for monitoring heavy metals in food and cosmetic products; and
Iron (Fe) analysis for complete characterization of trace elements in nutritional products.

Why entrust your analysis to YesWeLab?

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories, experts in multi-element analysis and chemical speciation of metals. Our teams support companies in the food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and environmental sectors in defining methods, validating results, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Since 2020, YesWeLab has simplified analysis management with its digital platform for ordering, tracking, and receiving results, guaranteeing time savings and complete traceability.