Vanadium is a mineral found in the human body, but its exact function or whether it is essential to human health or life is not yet known [1].
Chemical symbol for vanadium: V
Foods high in vanadium include shellfish, whole grains, mushrooms, black pepper, parsley, dill seed and certain spices [2].
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vanadium has not been determined [2].
Vanadium in the forms of vanadyl sulfate and sodium metavanadate in the doses 250 mg/day (more than 100 times higher than the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), and hence possibly toxic [4], has been used to treat diabetes type I [1], since it can mimic insulin, but only a mild beneficial effects have been observed [6].
Some animal studies have shown that vanadium, like insulin, can promote amino acid transport into the cells, but various studies in humans have not confirmed any increase of the muscle mass or athletic endurance after taking vanadium supplements [6].
The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)–the amount that should not cause side effects–for vanadium for adults is 1,8 mg per day [3].
Side effects of vanadium supplements do not depend on the dose and may include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, green tongue, fatigue, and neurological symptoms [3].
Vanadium toxicity from food sources is not likely [5].
The information on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be considered diagnostic or medical advice.
NutrientsReview 2016. All rights reserved.