What is Vanadium?

There are certain trace elements the body needs only in tiny quantities for health. One of these is an element called vanadium. What is vanadium, and why do you need it in your diet?

What is Vanadium?

Vanadium is a micro-mineral and trace element. Its an element thats shrouded in mystery, because no one really knows exactly how the body uses it - and how much is needed for good health. Its also not clear whether humans really need vanadium for survival, although animals deprived of vanadium have reduced growth rates and lower hemoglobin levels.

It may have some benefits for particular populations though. Some research shows that vanadium helps type 2 diabetics better control their blood sugars by acting like insulin in the human body. Because of this, some type 2 diabetics take vanadium supplements in hopes of lowering their blood sugar levels. Although vanadium seems to have insulin-like activity in the body, large randomized clinical trials havent been carried out to show that its safe and effective for people with type 2 diabetes.

Sources of Vanadium

The best food sources of vanadium are shellfish, vegetables, wine, beer, fruit juice, mushrooms, parsley, dill and whole grains, but the body doesnt absorb vanadium from foods very efficiently.

Is Vanadium Safe to Take as a Supplement?

Some people use vanadium as a sports supplement to enhance performance, but theres little evidence that it works. Vanadium has potential for lowering blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics, but to get these effects youd have to take concentrations up to 50 times greater than the upper limit set by the National Academy of Sciences.

Taking large doses of vanadium to control blood sugars isnt necessarily safe since it causes kidney damage in animals at high doses. In humans, high doses cause intestinal upset, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

What is Vanadium: The Bottom Line?

Vanadium isnt a mineral most people have to worry about being deficient in since so little is needed. Type 2 diabetics may benefit from more dietary vanadium or supplements, but there are few good studies to support its blood-sugar lowering effects. Plus, there are questions about its safety at high doses. Its best to get vanadium from food until more is known.

References:

The Nutritionist. Robert Wildman PhD, RD. 2002.

University of Maryland Medical Center. "Vanadium"