Narrow Your Choices
VANADIUM
What does it do? 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. Vanadium may play a role in building bones and teeth.
Vanadyl sulfate, a form of this mineral, may improve glucose control in people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus, according to a study of eight people with diabetes who 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 amounts of vanadium remains unknown. Many doctors expect future research to show that amounts this high will likely prove to be unsafe. Moreover, in a preliminary report, vanadium did not help people with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes.2
Vanadium has been used in connection with the following condition
| Rating | Health Concerns |
|---|---|
 |
Diabetes |
 Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or
the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit. |
|
Who is likely to be deficient? Deficiencies of vanadium have not been reported in humans, and it is not known whether this mineral is essential for humans.
How much is usually taken? 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.
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.3 Vanadium sometimes inhibits, but at other times stimulates, cancer growth in animals. However, the effect in humans remains unknown.4
Vanadium is not known to interact with other nutrients.
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. Metabolism 1996;45:1130–5.
2. Aharon Y, Mevorach M, Shamoon H. Vanadyl sulfate does not enhance insulin action in patients with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care 1998;21:2194 [letter].
3. Naylor GJ. Vanadium and manic depressive psychosis. Nutr Health 1984;3:79–85 [review].
4. 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.
Your Recent History
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Call us M-F 9am-5pm: 212-279-0552
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Information about each product is taken from the labels of the products or from the manufacturer's advertising material. MotherNature is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices. Prices are subject to change.
Please see our Terms of Use
Copyright © 1995-2012 MotherNature All rights reserved.