Mineral - Vanadium

Vanadium an essential trace mineral recently gained peoples interest.  The role of vanadium in human health and disease began in earnest in the late 1970 and peaked in the early 1980s, and has been known to be essential to chickens and rats for some time but little is known about its effects on human physiology.

Vanadium seems to be involved in calcium metabolism, in growth, reproduction, blood sugar regulation, red blood cell production, tooth and bone formation and fat metabolism. Popularity among athletes stems from its ability to mimic insulin. By regulating blood sugar levels the use of vanadium as a supplement aids in the delivery of nutrients to the body's tissues, help stabilize and control blood sugar levels and aids with keeping adult-onset diabetes under control.

Best food sources include fats and vegetable oils, especially the unsaturated variety.  Soy, sunflower, safflower, corn and olive oils and the foods these oils come from all contain fair amounts of vanadium.  Buckwheat, parsley, oats, rice, green beans, carrots and cabbage also contain vanadium.  Dill and radish have fairly high concentrations, while eggs have a moderate amount, most fish have low amounts but oysters and herring are a good source of vanadium.

Deficiency and toxicity. Has been thought to be nontoxic to humans mostly because of its poor absorption.  Extremely high doses of inhaled vanadium can irritate the lungs and turn the tongue green, but neither causes long term or serious problems. 

Deficiency of in human diets has not been clearly shown.  Theoretically low levels can increase susceptibility to heart disease and cancer or lead to higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Vanadyl sulfate is the choice form for most athletes. Vanadyle sulfate is a salt of vanadium that is better absorbed then elemental vanadium.  Dosage depends on body weight, diet factors and general health, but should not exceed 10 mg at most.

Research has shown that vanadyle sulfate supports increased protein synthesis in the body and athletes have long used vanadyle sulfate to increase their performance and muscle growth.  Most athletes report increases in strength muscle hardness and energy.

Minerals are inorganic substances that the body needs in very small quantities. There are twenty two metallic elements in the body which make up about 4 percent of total body weight.

Minerals are found abundantly in the soil and water of the planet and eventually are taken in by the root systems of plants. Human beings obtain minerals by eating the plants or by eating the animals that eat the plants. If you eat a variety of meats and vegetables in your diet, you can usually depend on getting a sufficiency of minerals.

The minerals in the body play a part in variety of metabolic processes and contribute to the synthesis of such elements as glycogen, protein, and fats.

For the best sources of minerals please consult the USDA website.

DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for
educational and informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a
substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek
the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions
you may have regarding a medical condition.  Never disregard professional medical
advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.

Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be
accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement
has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to "diagnose,
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