Definition of Vanadyl Sulfate

Vanadyl sulfate is a form of the nutrient vanadium. Vanadyl sulfate is a nutrient that is involved in bone development and growth. Vanadyl sulfate mimics insulin, breaking down glucose more quickly for energy. Because of its function, the nutrient has been introduced as a main ingredient for bodybuilding supplements. Vanadyl sulfate is not recommended for any specific disease except for diabetes. The nutrient breaks down glucose more quickly by improving the sensitivity to insulin in type 2 diabetics.

Sources

• Vanadium is found in several sources in popular food and spices such as pepper, eggs, radishes and vegetable oils. Although it is found in many dietary sources, the body only absorbs about 5% of daily vanadium intake. Supplements taken with vanadium can increase insulin activity, leading to hypoglycemia.

Diabetes

• Because of its insulin-mimicking function, vanadyl sulfate has been used in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Several animal tests have been conducted on vandadyl sulfate to induce glucose breakdown as a way to cure diabetics. In studies conducted at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, Mass., vanadyl sulfate was shown to decrease the amount of total cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the doses prescribed to these test patients were extremely high, so scientists are still unsure of its effectiveness against the disease.

Bodybuilding Supplement

• Vanadium has been added to bodybuilding supplements for extreme weight training. However, no clinical evidence shows that increased insulin activity from vanadium is beneficial to the bodybuilder. Trials conducted by J.P. Fawcett, S.J. Farquhar and R.J. Walker on athletes showed no increased benefit from vanadyl sulfate.

Precautions

• There are side effects from the use of vanadyl sulfate including stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and gas. Side effects of vanadyl sulfate can include anemia, low white blood cell counts and increased cholesterol levels. Immunocompromised patients should not take vanadyl sulfate.

  Although the clinical trials mentioned have shown some improvement in diabetics, there is a risk of acquiring hypoglycemia from the use of vanadyl sulfate. Diabetics who inject insulin are especially at risk of hypoglycemia and should not take the supplement. Additionally, high doses of vanadyl sulfate have also been linked with increased risk of liver or kidney damage.

Drug Interactions

• Vanadium interacts with prescribed medications, especially blood thinners. Taking vanadium with other drugs such as aspirin, heparin or warfarin greatly increases the chance of excessive bleeding. In addition, medications that lower blood glucose levels are contraindicated with vanadium supplements.