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Vanadium - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms and Food Sources
What is Vanadium?
Vanadium is an ultra-trace mineral found in the human diet and the human body. The presence of vanandium in the brain inhibits cholesterol from forming in the blood vessels. Vanadium is active in many chemical reactions that take place in the body. Vanadium may play a role in building bones and teeth. The presence of vanandium in the brain inhibits cholesterol from forming in the blood vessels.
Uses and Benefits of Vanadium
Vanadium is known to reduce cholesterol levels and helps reduce cholesterol buildup within the central nervous system. Vanadium also helps regulate the circulatory systems. It is believed to be involved in energy production, a cofactor of enzymes to accelerate chemical reactions in the body, participation in blood sugar and fat metabolism, and in helping build bones and teeth. Vanadium is removed from the plasma and is found in highest amounts in the kidney, liver, testes, bone and spleen. Absorbed vanadium is mainly excreted in the urine in both high- and low-molecular weight complexes. Some absorbed vanadium may be excreted via the bile. Vanadium may help maintain healthy glucose and lipid metabolism.
Recommended Dosage for Vanadium
There is no established RDA for vanadium. General recommendations are 20-30 mcg per day. Some manufacturers promote high dosages (15 to 100 mg) of vanadyl sulfate per day, but studies do not support such dosages, and they may be toxic.
Deficiency Symptoms of Vanadium
No known deficiency symptoms. Those with diabetes or hyperglycemia are cautioned not to use supplemental vanadium to manage their diabetes or hyperglycemia. Those with hypoglycemia should avoid using vanadium supplements. Chronic thirst or frequent urination problems, cardio vascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, metabolic dysfunction, obesity, and infertility are deficiency symptoms of vanadium.
Rich Food Sources of Vanadium
While the body only absorbs about 5% of the vanadium in foods, sufficient amounts can be obtained from mushrooms, shellfish, and grains. Vanadium is found in very small amounts in a wide variety of foods, including seafood, cereals, mushrooms, parsley, corn, soy, and gelatin.
Cautions and Some Side Effects of Vanadium
Vanadium should never be taken in amounts greater than 1.8 mg/day. Side effects from vanadium supplements may include nausea, stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. At high dosages, vanadium has been known to cause stomach cramping and diarrhea as well as a green tongue. There may be an interaction between vanadium and chromium.