Vanadium - An Important Nutrient For Bodybuilders And Diabetics

Vanadium is an essential nutrient that has multiple roles in the body

. It activates certain enzymes, assists in the production of certain hormones, supports healthy metabolism and improves insulin sensitivity (a benefit which both bodybuilders and diabetics have utilised). In this article I will be discussing this nutrient in greater detail and providing you with a summary of its main functions, the best food sources, the recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and the potentially adverse effects of consuming too much or too little.

1) DISCOVERY:

Vanadium was initially discovered in 1801 by the Spanish-Mexican metallurgist Andres Manuel del Rio as part of the compound vanadium pentoxide. However, his findings were wrongly discredited by scientists in Europe. In 1831 the Swedish chemist Nils Gabriel Sefstrom re-discovered vanadium pentoxide as part of iron ore and proved that Andres Manuel del Rio was actually correct with his initial findings. In 1867 the English chemist Sir Henry Enfield Roscoe became the first person to successfully isolate vanadium.

2) FUNCTION:

Vanadium is a relatively new addition to the family of essential nutrients. However, the early research on this nutrient is very promising and suggests that vanadium can activate important enzymes, help the body produce hormones and red blood cells and assist in the metabolism of certain nutrients. Another well publicised health benefit of vanadium is that it improves insulin sensitivity which is great news for both bodybuilders (as insulin helps force nutrients into the muscles after training) and diabetics (who struggle to moderate their insulin levels). In addition to this vanadium may help protect against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), cancer and heart disease. Finally, vanadium promotes the development of strong bones and teeth and supports the reproductive system.

3) RDA:

Vanadium currently has no official RDA. However, most sources suggest consuming between 0.1 milligram (mg) and 1mg per day is enough to realise all the above benefits. The tolerable upper limit (TUL) for vanadium is 1.8mg per day.

4) FOOD SOURCES:

Vegetables and seafood are the richest food sources of vanadium. Whilst very little has been published on the exact amounts in specific foods, mushrooms, oysters, parsley and spinach are

amongst the top food sources and contain more than 0.1mg per 100 grams (g).

5) OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS:

It is very difficult to consume more than 1.8mg of vanadium per day through your diet. However, certain supplements exceed this TUL so make sure you check the amounts on the label before taking them. The symptoms of vanadium overdose include anemia (a low red blood cell count), blood vessel damage, dehydration, kidney failure, liver damage, a poor appetite, stomach problems, stunted growth, a weak immune system and weight loss.

6) DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

Currently, no clear vanadium deficiency symptoms have been identified. However, research suggests not getting enough may aggravate diabetes, cause hypoglycaemia (extremely high blood glucose levels), increase your cancer risk and increase your heart disease risk.

by: Tom Parker

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