Roll Call

Vanadium — answers to Vanadium (often as vanadyl sulfate)

Mineral

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Vanadium is a trace mineral found in small amounts in food such as mushrooms, shellfish, and black pepper. In supplements it is usually provided as vanadyl sulfate or a similar mineral salt.

Why it’s used

Taken by some, particularly in bodybuilding or blood-sugar-focused products, on the theory that it may influence insulin activity or blood sugar levels.

What the evidence says

Vanadium has no established essential function or recommended intake in humans, and the Institute of Medicine has not set a Recommended Dietary Allowance for it. Small clinical studies have explored effects of vanadyl sulfate on insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes, with some showing modest changes in blood sugar measures, but the studies are small, short, and not considered strong enough to establish a reliable effect.

Dose studied

50–100 mg — vanadyl sulfate doses used in small trials examining insulin-related measures.

Context

Small trials investigating blood sugar-related effects have used vanadium doses in the range of roughly 50 to 100 mg per day of vanadyl sulfate for a few weeks, well above typical dietary intake, and have generally been too small or short to confirm lasting benefit.

Educational information, not medical or safety advice. Consult a professional for allergies or medical concerns.