Common Trade Names

None known.

Common Forms

Available as capsules and powder and in beverages and other herbal formulas.

Source

Vanadium is a trace mineral that is found in the earth’s crust and in rocks, some iron ores, and crude petroleum deposite. In nature, it is often found as crystals. It usually combines with other elements such as oxygen, sodium, sulfur, and chloride.

Chemical Components

Vanadium is found combined with other elements and particles in soil and in low levels in plants.

Actions

Vanadium is an antioxidant that may playa role in the mineralization of bones and teeth. Animal studies have also suggested that vanadium may improve insulin action or mimic insulin in rats . These studies also imply that vanadium may inhibit cholesterol synthesis. The amount of vanadium needed to mimic insulin was high, to the point of toxicity, causing poor appetite and growth, diarrhea, and death in many of the animals.

Reported Uses

Therapeutic claims for vanadium include its use as a muscle, strength, or performance enhancer and as a supplement to improve glucose metabolism and to treat and prevent diabetes and high cholesterol levels. These claims have not been supported by human trials and are based on animal trials in which high doses were used that produced toxic symptoms. Deficiency symptoms have not yet been identified in humans and even the most nutritionally inadequate diet has been shown to contain sufficient quantities to prevent deficiency .

Dosage

No RDA has been established. Estimated requirements for adults are 1 to 3 mcg/day P.O. with dietary intake usually 10 to 60 mcg. Available dosage forms supply a wide range of dosage strengths (1-100 mg).

Adverse Reactions

ENS: confusion.

EENT: eye inflammation, green tongue.

GI: anorexia, diarrhea.

Hematologic: anemia.

Respiratory: cough, pleurisy, wheezing.

Musculoskeletal: growth retardation.

Other: death.

Interactions

Chromium and vanadium: May interfere with each other’s absorption. Separate administration times.

Smoking: Decreased vanadium absorption. Avoid smoking when taking this herb.

Contraindications and Precautions

Vanadium is contraindicated in pregnant patients; birth defects were reported in animal studies.

Special Considerations

• Caution the patient against using vanadium because little evidence regarding its medicinal use exists.
• Advise the patient to consult a health care provider before using herbal preparations because a treatment that has been clinically researched and proved effective may be available.
• Monitor for adverse reactions in patients who are taking more than 10 mcg/day.
• Advise the female patient to report planned or suspected pregnancy.

Commentary

Insufficient data exist in humans to support any medicinal use of vanadium. Animal studies have produced some insulin-like effects but at doses that are known to be toxic. The danger of toxicity warrants that this supplement not be recommended.