Will chromium help me lose weight?

Chromium will not reliably help you lose weight on its own. Some studies show modest reductions in fat mass when chromium is paired with diet and exercise, but the effect is small and inconsistent. We use chromium as a metabolic support, not a weight-loss agent.

Can I take chromium every day?

You can take chromium every day for several months at a time. We typically reassess at 3 to 6 months and decide whether to continue based on labs and goals. Long-term use at standard doses is well tolerated in most patients.

Will chromium fix my sugar cravings?

Chromium may modestly reduce sugar cravings in some patients, particularly those with reactive hypoglycemia. The effect is real but small. We pair chromium with stable meal timing, protein, and fiber for the best results.

Does chromium replace metformin?

Chromium does not replace metformin. Metformin has decades of outcome data showing reduced complications in type 2 diabetes. Chromium can complement metformin in select patients, but we never swap one for the other without a physician guiding the change.

Is chromium safe with prediabetes?

Chromium is generally safe for prediabetes and can be a useful tool alongside diet and movement. We start at 200 mcg daily and recheck fasting insulin and hemoglobin A1c at 3 months. Lifestyle changes still drive most of the benefit.

What is the best time of day to take chromium?

The best time of day to take chromium is with your largest carbohydrate-containing meal. If you are taking 400 mcg or more, split the dose between 2 meals. Taking chromium without food reduces absorption.

Can I take chromium with multivitamins?

You can take chromium with most multivitamins. Many multivitamins already contain a small amount of chromium, usually 50 to 200 mcg. Read the label so you do not exceed your target dose by accident.

What drug interactions should I know about with chromium?

The drug interactions to know about with chromium include insulin, sulfonylureas like glipizide, levothyroxine for thyroid (chromium can lower its absorption), and certain antacids. We separate chromium from levothyroxine by at least 4 hours and monitor blood sugar closely with diabetes medications.

Is chromium safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Chromium is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at the small amounts found in prenatal vitamins, usually 30 to 50 mcg per day. High-dose chromium supplements are not well studied in this population, and we typically pause them. Always coordinate with your obstetrician.

What if I have kidney disease?

If you have kidney disease, we approach chromium carefully. Reduced renal clearance can lead to chromium accumulation. We typically avoid supplementation in stage 3 or higher chronic kidney disease and rely on diet alone.

Can chromium harm the liver?

Chromium can rarely harm the liver, mostly at very high doses or with chromium picolinate use beyond 1,000 mcg per day for years. We monitor liver enzymes once or twice a year for long-term users.

Should I monitor labs while on chromium?

You should monitor labs while on chromium. We typically check a baseline fasting insulin, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, lipid panel, comprehensive metabolic panel, and liver enzymes. We recheck most of these at 3 months and yearly thereafter.

Can chromium help with PCOS?

Chromium can help with PCOS by improving insulin sensitivity, which addresses one of the root drivers of the condition. We pair chromium with inositol, lifestyle changes, and sometimes metformin or hormonal support. The combined approach usually outperforms any single tool.

How does chromium compare to inositol or berberine?

Chromium, inositol, and berberine all support insulin sensitivity through different mechanisms. Berberine has the strongest blood sugar-lowering data. Inositol is particularly helpful for PCOS and ovulatory cycles. Chromium is the gentlest tool and often pairs well with the others.

What if my fasting insulin is normal?

If your fasting insulin is normal, chromium is unlikely to give you noticeable benefit. We focus interventions on patients with measurable resistance. For metabolically healthy patients, the foundation work, like sleep, fiber, and protein, drives the bigger gains.

Are there cost or insurance considerations?

There are minor cost considerations. Chromium is one of the cheapest supplements available, often $10 to $20 per month. Insurance does not cover chromium, but HSA and FSA plans may reimburse it with a Letter of Medical Necessity for documented insulin resistance.

Can chromium cause low blood sugar in healthy people?

Chromium rarely causes low blood sugar in healthy people. Hypoglycemia risk shows up mostly in patients on insulin, sulfonylureas, or aggressive carbohydrate restriction. We still teach patients the warning signs and have a plan in place.

What about chromium for older adults?

Chromium can be useful for older adults who often have reduced insulin sensitivity, but we factor in kidney function, polypharmacy, and falls risk. Doses are typically conservative, around 200 mcg per day, with regular monitoring.

Are there contraindications I should know about?

There are several contraindications. Patients with active liver or kidney disease, certain psychiatric conditions where mood instability is a concern, and pregnancy at high doses should usually skip chromium. We always do a full medical review first.

What if chromium is not working for me?

If chromium is not working after 3 months of consistent use, we look at the bigger picture. We check sleep, stress, hidden carbohydrate intake, alcohol, and medication interactions. Sometimes we add berberine or inositol. Sometimes we switch to a prescription tool like metformin.

Is there a Philly-specific reason to consider chromium?

There is a Philly-specific reason. Many of my patients face insulin resistance from long winters indoors, demanding desk jobs in Center City, and a food culture that leans heavy on bread and beer. Chromium is one of the more affordable tools to add to a metabolic plan, particularly for patients who are not yet ready for prescription medication.

Will chromium help me lose weight?

Chromium will not reliably help you lose weight on its own. Some studies show modest reductions in fat mass when chromium is paired with diet and exercise, but the effect is small and inconsistent. We use chromium as a metabolic support, not a weight-loss agent.

Can I take chromium every day?

You can take chromium every day for several months at a time. We typically reassess at 3 to 6 months and decide whether to continue based on labs and goals. Long-term use at standard doses is well tolerated in most patients.

Will chromium fix my sugar cravings?

Chromium may modestly reduce sugar cravings in some patients, particularly those with reactive hypoglycemia. The effect is real but small. We pair chromium with stable meal timing, protein, and fiber for the best results.

Does chromium replace metformin?

Chromium does not replace metformin. Metformin has decades of outcome data showing reduced complications in type 2 diabetes. Chromium can complement metformin in select patients, but we never swap one for the other without a physician guiding the change.

Is chromium safe with prediabetes?

Chromium is generally safe for prediabetes and can be a useful tool alongside diet and movement. We start at 200 mcg daily and recheck fasting insulin and hemoglobin A1c at 3 months. Lifestyle changes still drive most of the benefit.

What is the best time of day to take chromium?

The best time of day to take chromium is with your largest carbohydrate-containing meal. If you are taking 400 mcg or more, split the dose between 2 meals. Taking chromium without food reduces absorption.

Can I take chromium with multivitamins?

You can take chromium with most multivitamins. Many multivitamins already contain a small amount of chromium, usually 50 to 200 mcg. Read the label so you do not exceed your target dose by accident.

What drug interactions should I know about with chromium?

The drug interactions to know about with chromium include insulin, sulfonylureas like glipizide, levothyroxine for thyroid (chromium can lower its absorption), and certain antacids. We separate chromium from levothyroxine by at least 4 hours and monitor blood sugar closely with diabetes medications.

Is chromium safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Chromium is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at the small amounts found in prenatal vitamins, usually 30 to 50 mcg per day. High-dose chromium supplements are not well studied in this population, and we typically pause them. Always coordinate with your obstetrician.

What if I have kidney disease?

If you have kidney disease, we approach chromium carefully. Reduced renal clearance can lead to chromium accumulation. We typically avoid supplementation in stage 3 or higher chronic kidney disease and rely on diet alone.

Can chromium harm the liver?

Chromium can rarely harm the liver, mostly at very high doses or with chromium picolinate use beyond 1,000 mcg per day for years. We monitor liver enzymes once or twice a year for long-term users.

Should I monitor labs while on chromium?

You should monitor labs while on chromium. We typically check a baseline fasting insulin, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, lipid panel, comprehensive metabolic panel, and liver enzymes. We recheck most of these at 3 months and yearly thereafter.

Can chromium help with PCOS?

Chromium can help with PCOS by improving insulin sensitivity, which addresses one of the root drivers of the condition. We pair chromium with inositol, lifestyle changes, and sometimes metformin or hormonal support. The combined approach usually outperforms any single tool.

How does chromium compare to inositol or berberine?

Chromium, inositol, and berberine all support insulin sensitivity through different mechanisms. Berberine has the strongest blood sugar-lowering data. Inositol is particularly helpful for PCOS and ovulatory cycles. Chromium is the gentlest tool and often pairs well with the others.

What if my fasting insulin is normal?

If your fasting insulin is normal, chromium is unlikely to give you noticeable benefit. We focus interventions on patients with measurable resistance. For metabolically healthy patients, the foundation work, like sleep, fiber, and protein, drives the bigger gains.

Are there cost or insurance considerations?

There are minor cost considerations. Chromium is one of the cheapest supplements available, often $10 to $20 per month. Insurance does not cover chromium, but HSA and FSA plans may reimburse it with a Letter of Medical Necessity for documented insulin resistance.

Can chromium cause low blood sugar in healthy people?

Chromium rarely causes low blood sugar in healthy people. Hypoglycemia risk shows up mostly in patients on insulin, sulfonylureas, or aggressive carbohydrate restriction. We still teach patients the warning signs and have a plan in place.

What about chromium for older adults?

Chromium can be useful for older adults who often have reduced insulin sensitivity, but we factor in kidney function, polypharmacy, and falls risk. Doses are typically conservative, around 200 mcg per day, with regular monitoring.

Are there contraindications I should know about?

There are several contraindications. Patients with active liver or kidney disease, certain psychiatric conditions where mood instability is a concern, and pregnancy at high doses should usually skip chromium. We always do a full medical review first.

What if chromium is not working for me?

If chromium is not working after 3 months of consistent use, we look at the bigger picture. We check sleep, stress, hidden carbohydrate intake, alcohol, and medication interactions. Sometimes we add berberine or inositol. Sometimes we switch to a prescription tool like metformin.

Is there a Philly-specific reason to consider chromium?

There is a Philly-specific reason. Many of my patients face insulin resistance from long winters indoors, demanding desk jobs in Center City, and a food culture that leans heavy on bread and beer. Chromium is one of the more affordable tools to add to a metabolic plan, particularly for patients who are not yet ready for prescription medication.

Chromium Clinical Guide: Blood Sugar Stability

TL;DR30-second take

Chromium is a trace mineral that acts as a cofactor for insulin signaling by supporting chromodulin, an intracellular peptide that amplifies the insulin signal at the cellular level. It is most useful for adults with early insulin resistance, PCOS, or creeping fasting insulin despite good habits. Start at 200 mcg daily with food, and titrate to 400 to 600 mcg for active metabolic management. The main cautions are hypoglycemia risk if you take insulin or sulfonylureas, and reduced clearance in kidney disease.

Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a specific, supporting role in your metabolic machinery. It enhances the action of insulin (the hormone that moves sugar from your blood into your cells) by helping glucose enter your cells more efficiently. For patients showing early signs of metabolic friction, what I call pre-insulin resistance, chromium can be a useful lever to pull. However, I always prioritize the foundation first, which means nutrition, movement, and sleep.

What chromium is and what it does

Chromium works by supporting chromodulin, an intracellular peptide that amplifies the insulin signal at the cellular level. Think of chromium as improving the reception on your cells antenna.

Insulin sensitivity. Chromium helps insulin bind to receptors more effectively. This reduces the burden on your pancreas, allowing it to release less insulin to get the same job done.
Glucose uptake. Chromium supports the transport of glucose from your bloodstream into the cell, where it can be used for energy rather than stored as fat.
Lipid metabolism. I often see modest improvements in lipid profiles for patients who are already insulin resistant, specifically in triglyceride control.

If you are already metabolically optimized, adding chromium likely will not move the needle much. Chromium is most effective when there is a specific deficit or resistance we are trying to correct.

Who this is for (and who it isnt)

Chromium tends to fit:

The metabolic optimizer. Patients with early insulin resistance or those whose fasting insulin is creeping up despite good habits.
PCOS management. Since insulin resistance is a primary driver of polycystic ovary syndrome, chromium can be a supportive adjunct to help restore metabolic signaling.
High-output athletes. Intense training increases glucose demand. We sometimes use chromium to optimize recovery and glycogen uptake.

It is not the right first move, or it needs a conversation first, if:

Patients on insulin or sulfonylureas. Because chromium improves insulin efficiency, it can make your medication too effective and cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). We monitor your numbers closely if you are on these agents.
Reduced kidney function. Chromium is cleared by the kidneys. If your renal function is reduced, we adjust the dose or avoid chromium entirely.
Liver considerations. While rare, there are case reports of liver issues at very high doses. We prioritize safety and regular lab monitoring.

How we evaluate it: safety, then effectiveness, then cost

Every supplement we recommend runs the same three gates, in order (we go deep on this in how we choose supplements).

Safety first. Chromium is generally well tolerated at standard doses, but it is not a "more is better" mineral. We watch for hypoglycemia risk in anyone on diabetes medications, check kidney function before starting, and monitor liver enzymes for long-term users. Anyone on levothyroxine should separate chromium by at least 4 hours because it can reduce thyroid medication absorption.
Effectiveness second. Form matters. Chromium picolinate is the form most often used in clinical research and has a strong body of evidence for glucose control. Chromium polynicotinate (niacin-bound chromium) is a viable alternative. We advise against cheap chromium chloride, which has very poor bioavailability and is not worth your time or money. Consistency matters more than the brand.
Cost last. Chromium is one of the cheapest supplements available, often $10 to $20 per month. Insurance does not cover it, but HSA and FSA plans may reimburse it with a Letter of Medical Necessity for documented insulin resistance.

How to dose it, and when

This is not a "more is better" situation. We look for the minimum effective dose to support your physiology without overshooting.

Starting range. Begin at 200 mcg daily with meals.
Therapeutic range. For patients actively managing insulin resistance markers or elevated HOMA-IR scores, we may titrate up to 400 to 600 mcg.
Upper limits. We rarely see a clinical need to exceed 1,000 mcg per day.

Always take chromium with food. If we are using a higher dose above 400 mcg, we prefer splitting it between morning and evening meals to maintain steady metabolic support throughout the day. The best time is with your largest carbohydrate-containing meal.

Timeline: chromium starts showing effects on blood sugar within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent dosing. The full impact on hemoglobin A1c, which reflects 3 months of average blood sugar, takes about 12 weeks. We recheck labs at the 3-month mark.

Fishtown Medicine

A 90-minute conversation with Dr. Ash. A written plan you can actually follow.

Start your intake

Flaws, side effects, and interactions

No supplement is perfect, and being honest about the downsides is part of the job.

Hypoglycemia risk. Patients on insulin or sulfonylureas like glipizide face the biggest risk. Chromium can make these medications too effective, dropping blood sugar lower than intended. We monitor numbers closely.
Kidney accumulation. Chromium is cleared renally. In stage 3 or higher chronic kidney disease, we typically avoid supplementation and rely on diet alone.
Liver concerns. Rare case reports of liver issues exist, mostly at very high doses or with chromium picolinate use beyond 1,000 mcg per day for years. We monitor liver enzymes once or twice a year for long-term users.
Levothyroxine interaction. Chromium can lower thyroid medication absorption. Separate chromium from levothyroxine by at least 4 hours.
Antacid interaction. Certain antacids can affect chromium absorption. Review your full medication list before starting.

We look for: chromium picolinate for its clinical research base, or chromium polynicotinate as a solid alternative. Third-party tested products from established brands. Check your multivitamin label first, since many already contain 50 to 200 mcg of chromium.
Worth considering alongside: chromium pairs well with inositol for PCOS (they address insulin resistance through different mechanisms) and with berberine for stronger blood sugar support. The combined approach usually outperforms any single tool.
We dont lean on: chromium chloride (poor bioavailability), megadoses above 1,000 mcg without close monitoring, or chromium as a replacement for metformin when prescription-level management is indicated.

Guidance from the Clinic

"In my experience, chromium acts like a volume knob for your insulin receptors. It helps the message get through clearly, which is exactly what I need when I see early signs of resistance on your labs. But lets be clear. You cannot supplement your way out of a poor diet or chronic sleep deprivation. I use chromium to amplify your hard work, not replace it."

Dr. Ash

Actionable Steps

Support insulin sensitivity with a tool matched to your metabolic labs.

Get a baseline first. Check fasting insulin, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and a lipid panel before starting. We use HOMA-IR to confirm there is actually resistance to correct.
Start at 200 mcg with food. Take it with your largest carbohydrate-containing meal. Do not take it on an empty stomach.
Separate from levothyroxine. If you take thyroid medication, space chromium at least 4 hours away to protect absorption.
Recheck labs at 3 months. We look for movement in fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio as a proxy for insulin sensitivity.
Pair it with the foundation. Chromium amplifies good habits. Sleep, fiber, protein, and movement drive most of the benefit.

Book Your Warm Invitation Call

Key Takeaways

Chromium supports chromodulin, an intracellular peptide that amplifies the insulin signal, making it most useful when there is measurable insulin resistance to correct.
Start at 200 mcg daily with food; titrate to 400 to 600 mcg for active metabolic management, and rarely exceed 1,000 mcg per day.
The main safety concerns are hypoglycemia in patients on insulin or sulfonylureas, reduced clearance in kidney disease, and levothyroxine absorption interference (separate by at least 4 hours).
Recheck fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and lipid panel at 3 months to confirm the intervention is working.
Chromium amplifies good habits but does not replace them: sleep, fiber, protein, and movement drive most of the metabolic benefit.

Scientific References

Anderson RA. (1998). "Effects of chromium on body composition and weight loss." Nutrition Reviews, 56(9), 266-270.
Cefalu WT, et al. (2002). "Effect of chromium picolinate on insulin sensitivity in vivo." Journal of Trace Elements in Experimental Medicine, 15(4), 285-294.
Suksomboon N, Poolsup N, Yuwanakorn A. (2014). "Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of chromium supplementation in diabetes." Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 39(3), 292-306.
Havel, P. J. (2004). "A scientific review: the role of chromium in insulin resistance." The Diabetes Educator, 30(3 Suppl), 1-14.

Fishtown Medicine | Articles

2418 E York St, Philadelphia, PA 19125(267) 360-7927 hello@fishtownmedicine.comHSA/FSA Eligible

Book Your Warm Invitation Call

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Deep-Dive Questions

Ready when you are

Start your intake

Dr. Ash reads every intake himself, and answers questions personally - usually within a few hours.

TL;DR30-second take

What chromium is and what it does

Chromium works by supporting chromodulin, an intracellular peptide that amplifies the insulin signal at the cellular level. Think of chromium as improving the reception on your cells antenna.

Insulin sensitivity. Chromium helps insulin bind to receptors more effectively. This reduces the burden on your pancreas, allowing it to release less insulin to get the same job done.
Glucose uptake. Chromium supports the transport of glucose from your bloodstream into the cell, where it can be used for energy rather than stored as fat.
Lipid metabolism. I often see modest improvements in lipid profiles for patients who are already insulin resistant, specifically in triglyceride control.

If you are already metabolically optimized, adding chromium likely will not move the needle much. Chromium is most effective when there is a specific deficit or resistance we are trying to correct.

Who this is for (and who it isnt)

Chromium tends to fit:

The metabolic optimizer. Patients with early insulin resistance or those whose fasting insulin is creeping up despite good habits.
PCOS management. Since insulin resistance is a primary driver of polycystic ovary syndrome, chromium can be a supportive adjunct to help restore metabolic signaling.
High-output athletes. Intense training increases glucose demand. We sometimes use chromium to optimize recovery and glycogen uptake.

It is not the right first move, or it needs a conversation first, if:

Patients on insulin or sulfonylureas. Because chromium improves insulin efficiency, it can make your medication too effective and cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). We monitor your numbers closely if you are on these agents.
Reduced kidney function. Chromium is cleared by the kidneys. If your renal function is reduced, we adjust the dose or avoid chromium entirely.
Liver considerations. While rare, there are case reports of liver issues at very high doses. We prioritize safety and regular lab monitoring.

How we evaluate it: safety, then effectiveness, then cost

Every supplement we recommend runs the same three gates, in order (we go deep on this in how we choose supplements).

Safety first. Chromium is generally well tolerated at standard doses, but it is not a "more is better" mineral. We watch for hypoglycemia risk in anyone on diabetes medications, check kidney function before starting, and monitor liver enzymes for long-term users. Anyone on levothyroxine should separate chromium by at least 4 hours because it can reduce thyroid medication absorption.
Effectiveness second. Form matters. Chromium picolinate is the form most often used in clinical research and has a strong body of evidence for glucose control. Chromium polynicotinate (niacin-bound chromium) is a viable alternative. We advise against cheap chromium chloride, which has very poor bioavailability and is not worth your time or money. Consistency matters more than the brand.
Cost last. Chromium is one of the cheapest supplements available, often $10 to $20 per month. Insurance does not cover it, but HSA and FSA plans may reimburse it with a Letter of Medical Necessity for documented insulin resistance.

How to dose it, and when

This is not a "more is better" situation. We look for the minimum effective dose to support your physiology without overshooting.

Starting range. Begin at 200 mcg daily with meals.
Therapeutic range. For patients actively managing insulin resistance markers or elevated HOMA-IR scores, we may titrate up to 400 to 600 mcg.
Upper limits. We rarely see a clinical need to exceed 1,000 mcg per day.

Fishtown Medicine

A 90-minute conversation with Dr. Ash. A written plan you can actually follow.

Start your intake

Flaws, side effects, and interactions

No supplement is perfect, and being honest about the downsides is part of the job.

Hypoglycemia risk. Patients on insulin or sulfonylureas like glipizide face the biggest risk. Chromium can make these medications too effective, dropping blood sugar lower than intended. We monitor numbers closely.
Kidney accumulation. Chromium is cleared renally. In stage 3 or higher chronic kidney disease, we typically avoid supplementation and rely on diet alone.
Liver concerns. Rare case reports of liver issues exist, mostly at very high doses or with chromium picolinate use beyond 1,000 mcg per day for years. We monitor liver enzymes once or twice a year for long-term users.
Levothyroxine interaction. Chromium can lower thyroid medication absorption. Separate chromium from levothyroxine by at least 4 hours.
Antacid interaction. Certain antacids can affect chromium absorption. Review your full medication list before starting.

We look for: chromium picolinate for its clinical research base, or chromium polynicotinate as a solid alternative. Third-party tested products from established brands. Check your multivitamin label first, since many already contain 50 to 200 mcg of chromium.
Worth considering alongside: chromium pairs well with inositol for PCOS (they address insulin resistance through different mechanisms) and with berberine for stronger blood sugar support. The combined approach usually outperforms any single tool.
We dont lean on: chromium chloride (poor bioavailability), megadoses above 1,000 mcg without close monitoring, or chromium as a replacement for metformin when prescription-level management is indicated.

Guidance from the Clinic

"In my experience, chromium acts like a volume knob for your insulin receptors. It helps the message get through clearly, which is exactly what I need when I see early signs of resistance on your labs. But lets be clear. You cannot supplement your way out of a poor diet or chronic sleep deprivation. I use chromium to amplify your hard work, not replace it."

Dr. Ash

Actionable Steps

Support insulin sensitivity with a tool matched to your metabolic labs.

Get a baseline first. Check fasting insulin, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and a lipid panel before starting. We use HOMA-IR to confirm there is actually resistance to correct.
Start at 200 mcg with food. Take it with your largest carbohydrate-containing meal. Do not take it on an empty stomach.
Separate from levothyroxine. If you take thyroid medication, space chromium at least 4 hours away to protect absorption.
Recheck labs at 3 months. We look for movement in fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio as a proxy for insulin sensitivity.
Pair it with the foundation. Chromium amplifies good habits. Sleep, fiber, protein, and movement drive most of the benefit.

Book Your Warm Invitation Call

Key Takeaways

Chromium supports chromodulin, an intracellular peptide that amplifies the insulin signal, making it most useful when there is measurable insulin resistance to correct.
Start at 200 mcg daily with food; titrate to 400 to 600 mcg for active metabolic management, and rarely exceed 1,000 mcg per day.
The main safety concerns are hypoglycemia in patients on insulin or sulfonylureas, reduced clearance in kidney disease, and levothyroxine absorption interference (separate by at least 4 hours).
Recheck fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and lipid panel at 3 months to confirm the intervention is working.
Chromium amplifies good habits but does not replace them: sleep, fiber, protein, and movement drive most of the metabolic benefit.