Vanadium (vanadyl sulfate)

Vanadium - What Is It?

Most people are not familiar with vanadium (sold as vanadyl sulfate in supplement form), or the health benefits it offers. Vanadium is a micronutrient that is naturally found in high concentrations in black pepper, as well as in shellfish, mushrooms, parsley, dill, and grains. Vanadium is considered a trace mineral, which means the body only needs a very small amount of it.

Vanadium plays a role in calcium balance, as well as bone formation so is often included in bone support formulas, to help maintain bone mass, and prevent osteoporosis. It also acts as an insulin analog to balance blood sugar levels, so can be of great benefit for those with blood sugar metabolism issues, as seen in pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, central obesity, and hypoglycemia, (in fact, low intake of vanadium has been associated with each of these conditions, as well as diabetes).

Vanadyl sulfate is also a staple in sports nutrition because it has been shown to increase athletic performance. Indeed, because vanadium inhibits the enzyme sodium-potassium ATPase, sodium concentration is increased inside the cells followed by calcium concentration. This rise in cellular calcium increases the force of contractions in the heart and smooth vascular muscles, as well as in skeletal muscles, which can be of great benefit for those looking to enhance performance. In addition, studies suggest that vanadyl sulfate supplementation may improve exercise recovery, endurance, and the uptake of creatine by the muscles.

Benefits of Vanadium

• Supports Healthy Blood Sugar levels
• Enhances Athletic Performance
• Increases Glycogen Storage

Who Needs Vanadium?

Supplemental vanadium is recommended to help lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity by enhancing healthy glucose transport into the cells. In addition, practitioners will often recommend this nutrient as part of a supplement for bone health, to help support new bone formation. Vanadium has also been used therapeutically for the treatment of anemia, cardiovascular disease, edema, high blood pressure, and to regulate cholesterol.

Vanadium - Potency, Forms & Formats

Potency

A daily dose for Vanadium is typically recommended in the 10 – 125 mcg range daily; however, the appropriate dose for you is dependent on several factors including your age, gender and health status. Speak to your health care provider to discuss the appropriate dose for you.

Forms

While vanadium can occasionally be found as a standalone supplement in vanadyl sulfate form, more often than not, it’s one of the ingredients in bone health formulas, in sports nutrition blends, as well as in high-quality multivitamin/mineral products.

Formats

Vanadium (as vanadyl sulfate) is available in capsule, tablet, and powder forms in a myriad of bone health supplements, sports nutrition blends, and blood sugar support. It can also be found in combination with chromium in a variety of oral forms for the management of glycemia.

Choosing The Right Vanadium Supplement For You

Take this supplement with food to enhance absorption. It's also worth noting, this nutrient pairs especially well with chromium (in fact vanadium-chromium are often found in combination), fibre supplements, and creatine for muscle performance, as well as with calcium, magnesium, and D3, for bone health support.