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Vanadyl Sulfate Dangers

Vanadyl sulfate is a substance extracted from the mineral vanadium. It is a popular body building supplement that is involved in bone growth and development. Vanadyl sulfate imitates the function of insulin, breaking down the blood sugar glucose rapidly for energy. It breaks down glucose by enhancing the sensitivity to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Vanadyl sulfate can cause toxic adverse reactions when consumed in large dosages or used long term.

  1. Function

    • Vanadyl sulfate can be found in the mineral vanadium. It is in numerous plants and animals, including foods like peppers, radishes, vegetable oils and oats. Vanadyl sulfate disintegrates amino acids and glucose for them to pass smoothly though cellular membranes, providing energy to the cells. Even though vanadyl sulfate is found in various dietary sources, the human body can only absorb up to 5 percent of vanadium intake. There is still much debate as to whether vanadyl sulfate is an essential nutrient.

    Benefits

    • Vanadyl sulfate imitates the effects of insulin when administered to diabetic humans and animals. It greatly lessens the dependence on insulin in diabetic patients. It slows down the spread of prostate cancer and lowers blood cholesterol. However, vanadyl sulfate is currently not used as a treatment option due to the harmful side effects of long-term use.

    Muscle Building

    • Vanadyl sulfate is a supplement used by athletes and body builders to increase performance. It can be purchased at most health food stores or online. Vanadyl sulfate stimulates protein and glycogen synthesis by transporting amino acids and glucose directly into muscle tissues. Companies that promote vanadyl sulfate claim that it can provide you with more energy and increase the hardness and size of your muscles.

    Side Effects

    • There are numerous side effects from the long-term use of vanadyl sulfate including nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, increased cholesterol, liver and kidney damage. There is also a high risk of acquiring hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and leukopenia (low white blood cell count). Insulin dependent diabetics and immunocompromised patients should not take vanadyl sulfate.

    Drug Interactions

    • Prescription medications can interact with vanadium, especially medications used to thin blood like Warfarin or Coumadin. Taking vanadyl sulfate with these medications can cause excessive bleeding. Additionally, medications that can lower blood glucose levels such as aspirin and exubera are not to be taken with vanadium supplements.

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