The Effects of Vanadyl Sulfate

Vanadyl sulfate is a form of vanadium, an element in the body that can also be found in foods like radishes, eggs, pepper and oats. It has become an increasingly popular supplement, as recent studies have shown that it it can enhance many of the same anabolic processes that are controlled by insulin. Many believe that this insulin-mimicking quality plays a helpful role in building muscle and controlling diabetes.

Insulin

• Before explaining the effects of vanadyl sulfate, it is important to mention insulin's role in the body. Insulin is a hormone that plays a role in the body's metabolism. When you eat, a sugar called glucose enters and becomes highly concentrated in your bloodstream. As a result, your body releases insulin to tell your muscles, liver and fat tissue that they should use the glucose in your blood as a source of energy instead of using stored fat as the main energy source. When blood glucose levels drop, insulin levels drop as well. Diabetes occurs when a body has trouble controlling insulin levels.

Vanadyl Sulfate and Diabetes

• Vanadyl sulfate has been shown in some studies to help improve a body's sensitivity to insulin, helping regulate blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. However, in these studies, vanadyl sulfate was given in large doses and not all diabetics in the study responded to it.

Vanadyl Sulfate and Bodybuilding

• While studies haven't confirmed this, vanadyl sulfate is assumed to help bodybuilders improve performance because it increases the rate at which sugar is absorbed into muscles. Because sugar is being absorbed so quickly in such a case, the body won't be able to store as much glucose as fat. This increases muscle mass and blood flow. To a bodybuilder, this translates to an increase in energy (more reps, lifting heavier weight), less muscle protein breakdown, faster recuperation time and bigger, harder muscles. Bodybuilders are not officially encouraged to use vanadyl sulfate because in high doses it is potentially toxic.

Vanadyl Sulfate and Blood Pressure

• Some studies using animals have suggested that vanadyl sulfate may help improve blood pressure. Little to nothing is known for sure regarding whether it has the same effect on people. Until more conclusive studies are conducted, it is not medically recommended to use vanadyl sulfate as a blood-pressure remedy.

Warning

• As mentioned above, vanadium can be toxic at high concentrations. If you are interested in using vanadyl sulfate as a supplement, inform your primary-care physician to rule out any potential risks and decide together if you can benefit from it. Common supplement doses of vanadyl sulfate range from 30 to 60 mg per day.