Chromium and Vitamin C, a synergy.
Vitamin C enhances chromium absorption by reducing Cr3+ in the gut, making it more bioavailable.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Pair type
- Synergy
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Moderate
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Supplement
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Synergy · Moderate evidence
Synergy
What is happening. Vitamin C enhances chromium absorption by reducing Cr3+ in the gut, making it more bioavailable.
Mechanism. Ascorbic acid reduces chromium in the intestinal lumen, increasing the proportion in the more absorbable Cr3+ state and enhancing passive diffusion across the intestinal epithelium.
Recommendation. Take chromium with vitamin C for improved absorption. 200mcg chromium + 500mg vitamin C.
Sources (2)
- Offenbacher EG. Promotion of chromium absorption by ascorbic acid. Trace Elem Electrolytes. 1994
- Bayu P, Wibisono JJ. Vitamin C and E antioxidant supplementation may significantly reduce pain symptoms in endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. PLoS One. 2024. PMID 38820340
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Chromium and Vitamin C are in the same stack, this pair applies +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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