Vanadyl sulfate is also known as vanadium or vanadate and is classified as a type of mineral. Vanadyl sulfate comes in the form of a nutritional supplement that's used for different health purposes. In alternative medicine, vanadium is sometimes recommended at higher doses to help treat certain medical conditions such as diabetes. Before you begin taking vanadyl sulfate for any health purpose, consult your doctor about the potential risks, side effects and drug interactions.
Identification
The mineral vanadium is named after the Scandinavian goddess of luster, youth and beauty, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. High amounts of vanadyl sulfate appear to help control blood sugar levels, increase muscle mass and improve bone density. No widely accepted medical research has validated these potential benefits, however. Nevertheless, vanadium is often marketed as a sports supplement, particularly for bodybuilders.
Nutrition
Vanadium appears to have similar effects in the body as chromium, another type of trace mineral, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. You can get vanadyl sulfate from certain foods such as cereals, seafood, mushrooms, soy, corn and gelatin, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Although some animals appear to require vanadium, humans don't seem to require it. Vanadium is therefore classified as a non-essential "ultra-trace" mineral. Most people get an average of 15 to 30 mcg of vanadium from their daily diets, but the estimated daily requirement is 10 mcg or less.
Potential
Vanadyl sulfate as a supplement has the potential to help in treating type 2 diabetes, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Vanadium may offer an insulin-like effect in the body, helping to lower blood glucose levels, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Other possible medicinal uses for vanadyl sulfate include helping to treat osteoporosis and to support bodybuilding. You should talk with your doctor before taking vanadium for any purpose.
Warning
Some side effects and health risks are associated with taking high doses of vanadyl sulfate. The maximum safe dosage for adults is 1.8 mg, with higher doses potentially causing toxicity, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Despite the evidence that vanadium deposits into the bones, there's no proof that it actually strengthens bones and a buildup of the mineral in the skeletal system could even be harmful. High blood levels of vanadyl sulfate also are linked to manic-depressive psychological conditions in humans and inhibiting or stimulating cancer growth in animals, warns the University of Michigan Health System. Additionally, vanadium's potential effects on blood glucose levels could interact negatively with insulin and oral diabetes medications.
