Vanadium

Vanadium is an important trace element needed for cellular metabolism and in the formation of bones, cartilage, and teeth. As vanadate or vanadyl, it mimics the action of insulin on glucose uptake and metabolism in fat cells, increases glucose metabolism and conversion into lipids, activates glycogen synthesis, inhibits fat breakdown, restores the ability of insulin to inhibit glucose production in the liver, promotes glycogen synthesis in muscles.

Vanadyl sulphate or sodium metavanadate, decrease insulin requirements in type-I diabetes, increase insulin sensitivity in insulin-II diabetes by increasing inhibition of glucose production in the liver and helping insulin stimulate glucose utilisation in the tissues. Vanadyl sulphate helps reduce development of breast cancer. Vanadium is absorbed in the intestines and stored in the liver and bones.

FOOD SOURCES

Liver, olives, seafood, vegetable oils, whole grains.

SUPPLEMENTATION

Vanadium aspartate, vanadium oxide. Natural diets may not supply adequate vanadium due to soil depletion.

SIGNS OF DEFICIENCY

Cardiovascular disease, increased infant mortality, infertility, kidney disease. Chromium and vanadium may interfere with each other. Tobacco use can decrease the absorption of vanadium.

SIGNS OF TOXICITY

None known. Mild gastrointestinal intolerance may be experienced by some people.

MINIMUM DAILY REQUIREMENT

12mcg approx.