Vanadyl Sulfate

What does it do? Vanadium is an ultra-trace mineral found in the human diet and body.

It is essential for some animals, and deficiency symptoms in these animals include growth retardation, bone deformities, and infertility. However, vanadium has not yet been proven to be an essential mineral for humans. Vanadium may play a role in building bones and teeth.

Vanadyl sulfate, a form of this mineral, may improve glucose control in individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), according to a study of eight diabetics supplemented with 100 mg of the mineral daily for four weeks.1

However, the researchers of this study caution that the long-term safety of such large doses of vanadium remains unknown. Many doctors of natural medicine expect future research is likely to show that amounts this high will turn out to be unsafe.

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

Vanadium has been used in connection with the following condition (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Who is likely to be deficient? Deficiencies of the mineral vanadium have not been reported and appear unlikely.

How much is usually taken? As yet, research indicates that most people would not benefit from vanadium supplementation. Optimal intake of vanadium is unknown. The estimated requirement is probably less than 10 mcg per day, while an average diet provides 15–30 mcg per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions? 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.2

Vanadium sometimes inhibits, but at other times stimulates, cancer growth in animals. The effect in humans remains unknown.3

Vanadium is not known to interact with other nutrients.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with vanadium.

 References:

1. Boden G, Chen X, Ruiz J, et al. Effects of vanadyl sulfate on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Metab Clin Exp 1996;45(9):1130–35.

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

3. 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;52:310–14.