Vanadium
Vanadium is a trace mineral found in many foods. Scientists think your body may need vanadium in very small amounts for normal bone growth. Scientists aren't sure exactly what effects vanadium may have, or what amount might be helpful, however, they know high doses of vanadium are likely to be unsafe.
Most studies on vanadium have been animal studies. Since few clinical trials involving humans have been completed, vanadium isn't recommended for any disease or condition. However, it may have an effect on blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Diabetes
Several animal studies and a few small human studies suggest that vanadium may lower blood sugar levels and improve sensitivity to insulin in people with type 2 diabetes. In one study of people with type 2 diabetes, vanadium also lowered total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
However, the dosages used in these studies were far above the tolerable upper intake level (UL). Scientists don't know whether taking vanadium at those levels is safe -- or whether it actually works. Other studies suggest that vanadium has no effect on blood sugar levels.
Body Building/Performance Enhancement
Vanadium is sometimes advertised as a sports supplement, but there is no evidence that it boosts performance. In fact, one clinical trial examining vanadium use in athletes found no benefit at all.
Dietary Sources
The best food sources of vanadium are mushrooms, shellfish, black pepper, parsley, dill weed, beer, wine, grain and grain products, and artificially sweetened drinks.
Vanadium exists in several forms, including vandal sulfate and vanadate. Vanadyl sulfate is most commonly found in nutritional supplements.
How to Take It
Pediatric
You should not give vanadium supplements to a child.
Adult
Scientists don't know how much vanadium people need. The average diet provides 6 - 18 mcg.
The safe upper limit is 1.8 mg. Higher doses may be toxic.
Precautions
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
Common side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and gas.
Some animals given vanadate supplements have developed anemia, low white blood cell counts (the cells that help to fight infection), and high cholesterol. People with high cholesterol, anemia, an infection, or any health problem causing a low white blood cell count, such as HIV, should not take vanadium without first talking to their doctor.
Because vanadium may lower blood sugar levels, people with diabetes who take medication to control blood sugar could be at risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar if they take vanadium.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take vanadium. Animal studies linked high doses of vanadium with decreased fertility, birth defects, and other complications.
People with kidney disease should not take vanadium.
High doses of vanadium (more than 1.8 mg per day) may cause liver or kidney damage, and research suggests vanadium may be harmful to the kidneys. Other studies link high blood levels of vanadium with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Possible Interactions
If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use vanadium without first talking to your health care provider.
Anticoagulant or antiplatelet dugs (blood thinners) -- Vanadium may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with these drugs:
- Clopidogrel (Plavix)
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Heparin
- Aspirin
Drugs for diabetes -- Vanadium may lower blood sugar levels, so people who also take medications to lower blood sugar could be at risk of developing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
Supporting Research
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