Suspected chromium picolinate-induced rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis results from skeletal muscle injury and release of muscle cell contents into plasma. A number of etiologic factors have been reported for the condition, including strenuous exercise, weight lifting, trauma, seizure, sepsis, and alcohol and drug abuse. Hundreds of drugs also reportedly cause rhabdomyolysis. A 24-year-old body builder developed the disease after ingesting 1200 microg of chromium picolinate (6-24 times the daily recommended allowance of 50-200 microg) over 48 hours. We believe this to be the first reported case of chromium-induced rhabdomyolysis.