According to LiveStrong: Chromium is used either in prescription or over-the-counter form as directed by a physician. It's common to take it in one dose or in three divided doses before meals daily. Researchers found clinical evidence that chromium picolinate reduces food intake, hunger and cravings, reports an article published in the October 2008 issue of the journal Diabetes, Technology and Therapeutics. However, the decrease in hunger pangs did not result in significant weight loss.