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

National Academies — Dietary Reference Intakes (2001) · NCBI — Vanadium and Insulin-Mimetic Properties · Britannica — Vanadium

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