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THYROID FUNCTION

Vanadium

V — Element #23

also known as Vanadyl sulfate, Vanadate, Bis(maltolato)oxovanadium (BMOV)

Vanadium is an ultratrace mineral present in trace amounts in human tissues. It has not been established as essential for humans, though animal deficiency studies suggest it may affect growth and reproduction at very low intake levels. Research interest has focused on vanadium's insulin-mimetic properties, as vanadium compounds inhibit phosphotyrosine phosphatases and potentiate insulin signaling in animal and in vitro models.

  • Vanadium compounds exhibit insulin-mimetic activity in animal models by inhibiting phosphatases that downregulate insulin receptor signaling
  • Small human studies with vanadyl sulfate suggest modest improvements in insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes, but evidence is limited and inconsistent
  • Animal studies indicate possible roles in lipid metabolism and thyroid hormone regulation at physiological trace levels
  • May play an ancillary role in bone mineralization — animal data only

Active in VO²⁺ (vanadyl, V⁴⁺), VO₄³⁻ (vanadate, V⁵⁺).

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): 1.8 mg/day for adults (supplemental vanadium)
Vanadium compounds are toxic at higher doses, causing gastrointestinal distress, green tongue discoloration, and potential kidney and liver toxicity
Clinical evidence for vanadium supplementation in diabetes management is insufficient for therapeutic recommendations
No RDA has been established; there is no confirmed human deficiency syndrome
Long-term safety of vanadium supplements has not been adequately studied in humans

NIH ODS — Vanadium · NCBI — Vanadium and Insulin-Mimetic Properties · Britannica — Vanadium

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The curious few.
50 founding spots left

Know what you're putting in your body.

158 herbs, nutrients, and compounds. What the science says, what tradition knew, and what to watch for. Founding members keep this running.

$60 /year

Founding rate — locked for life. Regular price after launch: $96/year.

  • ✓ Full access to all 158+ entries
  • ✓ Print-ready reference card for every herb
  • ✓ Monthly curated set — 5 herbs, one body system
  • ✓ The Sunday Letter — weekly research digest
  • ✓ Bookmarks synced across devices
  • ✓ Founding rate locked forever
Become a founding member

Cancel any time. No questions asked.