Vanadium

Uses

Vanadium is an ultra-trace mineral found in the human diet and the human body. It is essential for some animals. Deficiency symptoms in these animals include growth retardation, bone deformities, and infertility. However, vanadium has not been proven to be an essential mineral for humans.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used forWhy
1 Star
Type 2 Diabetes
Refer to label instructions
Vanadyl sulfate, a form of vanadium, may improve glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Clinical trials using the vanadium salt vanadyl sulfate, in doses of 100 mg to 150 mg per day, indicate it may improve glucose control and insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. Over a six-week period, a small group of people with type 2 diabetes were given 75 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg of vanadyl sulfate (about 25–100 mg elemental vanadium) per day. Only in the groups receiving 150 mg or 300 mg was glucose metabolism improved and fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c decreased; however, these higher doses cause digestive disturbances and were associated with reductions in beneficial HDL-cholesterol levels. Other forms of vanadium, such as a vanadium-maltol complex, also appear to improve glycemic control and are being explored for their safety.

How It Works

How to Use It

As yet, research indicates that most people would not benefit from vanadium supplementation. Optimal intake of vanadium is unknown. If vanadium turns out to be essential for humans, the estimated requirement would probably be less than 10 mcg per day. An average diet provides 15–30 mcg per day.

Where to Find It

Vanadium is found in very small amounts in a wide variety of foods, including seafood, cereals, mushrooms, parsley, corn, soy, and gelatin.

Possible Deficiencies

Deficiencies of vanadium have not been reported in humans, and it is not known whether this mineral is essential for humans.

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Side Effects

Information about vanadium toxicity is limited. Workers exposed to vanadium dust can develop toxic effects. High blood levels have been linked to manic-depressive mental disorders, but the meaning of this remains uncertain.1 Vanadium sometimes inhibits, but at other times stimulates, cancer growth in animals. However, the effect in humans remains unknown.2

References

1. Naylor GJ. Vanadium and manic depressive psychosis. Nutr Health 1984;3:79-85 [review].

2. Chakraborty A, Ghosh R, Roy K, et al. Vanadium: a modifier of drug metabolizing enzyme patterns and its critical role in cellular proliferation in transplantable murine lymphoma. Oncology 1995;52:310-4.

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