Vanadium and Its Benefits

Vanadium is a chemical element just as sodium or calcium. Its chemical symbol is V. However, you do not hear much about vanadium and its benefits. This may be because vanadium is considered to be a trace element since it is found in very low quantities within the human body. However, despite its trace element status it seems that vanadium is very important for the human body.

Until now there is no clear understanding of what vanadium does in humans but animal testing has determined that it is a very important chemical element needed for a variety of functions. Vanadium has been found in significant level is bones, liver, kidneys, and lungs.

For example, Halberstam et al. (1996) found that vanadyl sulfate (the sulfate salt of vanadium) had some pretty enhancing effect on people with insulin sensitivity. It also have been observed that vanadium may have a positive effect improving glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Although not proven, it is said that vanadium may help lower cholesterol. However, keep in mind that this an unsubstantiated claim and ask your doctor for more information. There is also a common believe among bodybuilders that vanadium help them get stronger muscles. Again, this has not been medically proved.

How can you get vanadium in your body?

Diet is the source of your vanadium. Remember vanadium is a trace element so little is needed for your benefit. In addition, keep in mind that vanadium is considered to be a toxic element so you should not get more than certain quantity within your body. In fact, vanadium The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) believes that 35 mg of vanadium per cubic meter is extremely dangerous.

Until now, there there is no such thing as an Recommended Daily Amount for vanadium but there is evidence you need it since animals that has been fed without any vanadium in their diet had growing problems./

Regarding which foods are rich in the key element vanadium a search on nutrients databases shows that the dill seed, beans, radishes, pepper, certain mushrooms and olives, parsley, shellfish, and whole grains are rich in vanadium, so these would be good choices to be sure you are getting enough vanadium in your diet.

Vanadium is one of those chemical elements and nutrients you do not hear too much in the media. However, as with many of the other trace elements its importance it has still to be completely discovered. Until then, it would not be a bad idea to get enough vanadium in your so you can rest assured you are reaping the full benefits of vanadium.

Sources:

Personal experience

Talbott et al. (2007). Vanadium. Health Professional's Guide to Dietary Supplements. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Halberstam, M, et al. (1996). Oral vanadyl sulfate improves insulin sensitivity in NIDDM .......subjects.". Diabetes 45: 659-66