Sources of Vanadium

Vanadium is a trace mineral that has been proven essential for normal cell function and development. The nutrient helps to maintain sugar levels in the blood to help control insulin levels and diabetes. Vanadium is also believed to help prevent heart attacks and slow the progression of cholesterol formation in blood vessels. While there are no required amounts of daily intake recommended by the Food and Drug Administration, 20 to 30 mcgs are suggested daily. Vanadium is removed from our body’s plasma and the highest amounts are found in the kidney, liver and spleen. Vanadium has been proven to improve the minerals found in bones and teeth.

Food sources

• Vanadium is a mineral found in a number of everyday foods such as vegetables and seafood. Some of these include shellfish, mushrooms and corn. You can also find adequate amounts of vanadium in olives, olive oil and gelatins. The nutrient can also be found in meats, soy and in whole grains like wheat, rice and oats. Vanadium, while not completely absorbed, is excreted whole from the body. Studies show that only 5 percent of dietary Vanadium is absorbed into the body.

Herb sources

• Vanadium can also be found in some herbs like dill, black pepper and parsley. Vanadium found in the soil and in water supplies finds its way into our bodies naturally. It’s important to keep levels of vanadium at a minimum. High levels can be toxic and some reports link vanadium to manic depression in those with high doses. Fresh fruits and dairy product also have small levels of vanadium; processing them into dried milk and dried fruits increases the levels.

Supplements

• You can buy vanadium supplements. It’s recommended to take a chromium supplement along with the vanadium for maximum results in helping to control glucose levels. Vanadium should not be used to help control diabetes. People who have hypoglycemia should not take vanadium supplements. Be sure to take each supplement at different times to prevent a drug interaction. Take one in the morning and the other in the evening for best results and vitamin absorption. Vanadium has been known to interact with other medications. If your doctor has you taking other prescription medications, make sure to consult with him or her before adding vanadium to your daily regimen.