Vanadium is a trace mineral that is present in many foods and may be essential, in small amounts, in the body. It may be involved in normal bone growth. However, scientists aren't sure exactly what effects vanadium may have, or what amount might be beneficial for any condition. They do know that vanadium may be unsafe at high doses

Most of the studies examining vanadium have been animal studies; only a few clinical trials involving humans have been done. Because of that, vanadium isn't recommended for any disease or condition. However, it may have an effect on blood sugar in people with diabetes.

Diabetes

Several animal studies and a few very small human studies suggest that vanadium may reduce blood sugar levels and improve sensitivity to insulin in people with type 2 diabetes. In one study of people with type 2 diabetes, vanadium also lowered their total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol.

However, the dosages used in these studies were far above the tolerable upper intake level (UL), and scientists don't know whether taking vanadium at those levels is safe -- or whether it actually works.

Body Building/Performance Enhancement

Vanadium is sometimes touted as a sports supplement, but there is no evidence that it works to enhance performance. In fact, one clinical trial examining vanadium use in athletes found no benefit whatsoever.

The body absorbs only about 5% of the vanadium in food. The best sources are mushrooms, shellfish, black pepper, parsley, dill weed, grain and grain products, and artificially sweetened drinks.

Vanadium exists in several forms, including vandal sulfate and vanadate. Vanadyl sulfate is most commonly found in nutritional supplements.

Pediatric

You should not give vanadium supplements to a child.

Adult

Scientists don't know how much vanadium people need, but getting 10 - 30 mcg per day should be plenty. The average diet provides 6 - 18 mcg.

Limit daily dosages to no more than 1.8 mg. Higher doses may be toxic and should be avoided.

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Common side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and gas.

Some animals given vanadate supplements have developed anemia, low white blood cell counts (the cells that help to fight infection), and high cholesterol. People with high cholesterol, anemia, an infection, or any health problem causing a low white blood cell count (such as HIV) should not take vanadium without first talking to their doctor.

Because vanadium may lower blood sugar levels, people with diabetes who take medication to control blood sugar could be at risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if they take vanadium.

People with kidney disease should not take vanadium.

High doses of vanadium (more than 1.8 mg per day) may cause liver or kidney damage.

If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use vanadium without first talking to your health care provider.

Anticoagulant or antiplatelet dugs (blood thinners) -- Vanadium may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with these drugs:

• Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Heparin
• Aspirin

Drugs for diabetes -- Because vanadium may lower blood sugar levels, people who also take medications to lower blood sugar could be at risk of developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

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