Side Effects of Vanadyl Sulfate

Vanadyl sulfate is a compound derived from the mineral vanadium. It has been found to have beneficial effects on the human body, but with toxic side effects if used long-term or in large amounts. For this reason, further study is needed before it will be deemed safe for humans to consume. It is widely marketed on the Internet as a body-building supplement.

Function

• Vanadyl sulfate is found in vanadium. Vanadium is a trace mineral. It is commonly found in many animals and plants, including common foods like eggs and oats. Scientists continue to debate whether or not it is an essential nutrient. Vanadyl sulfate works as an enzyme aid in the body, breaking down glucose and amino acids so that they can easily pass through cell membranes, delivering energy to the cell.

Benefits

• Vanadyl sulfate has been shown to mimic the effects of insulin when given to diabetic animals and people. In fact, it has been shown to greatly reduce the reliance on insulin in diabetics. The side effects of long-term use, however, are very harmful to the body, so vanadyl sulfate is not recommended as a diabetic drug at this time. The drug also lowers cholesterol and has been found to slow down the spread of prostate cancer.

Serious Side Effects

• Dr. Alavattam Sreedhara, a professor at Ohio State University, has been studying vanadyl sulfate for many years. He and his partners have found that long-term use or the use of vanadium in large doses kills beta cells, damages DNA, blocks the synthesis of protein and other nutrients, and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Even taking trace amounts of the mineral causes stomach upset and a green tongue, both of which are symptoms of a toxic substance in the body. In addition, vanadyl sulfate builds up rapidly in the bones and kidneys, and no studies as to the long-term toxic effect of this have been done.

Muscle Building

• Vanadyl sulfate is a popular supplement for body-builders. It can be found available for purchase all over the Internet. Companies that market vanadyl sulfate claim it can increase the size and hardness of your muscles, as well as give you more energy. These claims are based on the belief that vanadyl sulfate delivers glucose (energy) to cells, including muscle cells, more efficiently and quickly than insulin does. Some companies claim that the body does not contain enough insulin to build impressive muscles without the help of vanadyl sulfate.

Misconceptions

• Not only do the makers of vanadyl sulfate supplements ignore the dangers of long-term consumption of the drug, but they ignore evidence that vanadyl sulfate does not build bigger muscles. A 12-week study done by the University of Otago in New Zealand showed that the control group of athletes and the group taking vanadyl sulfate had almost exactly the same strength and muscle gains.