Vanadate

Related Terms

Bis(4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) sulfatooxovanadium(IV), decavanadate (V10 O28 6-), metvan, oxovanadates, oxovanadium(IV) complex, titanium aluminum vanadium alloy, vanadyl sulfate.

Background

Vanadium is a chemical element with the symbol V and an atomic number of 23. It is a soft, silvery gray, ductile transition metal. Metallic vanadium does not exist in nature but is found in about 65 minerals. Vanadium has a very limited role in biology and is more important in ocean environments than on land. It is used in the production of nonferrous alloys and most resistant carbon steel, as well as in chemical, glass, paint, varnish, ceramic, and photographic industries. Fats, oils, fruits, and vegetables have been shown to contain the least amounts of vanadium, while whole grains, seafood, meats, and dairy products contain greater amounts. Dill seeds and black pepper contain the most.
Vanadium has been used as a dietary supplement; for treating low blood sugar, high cholesterol, heart disease, tuberculosis, syphilis, anemia, and edema; and for preventing cancer. More high-quality human research is needed to make a conclusion about the safety and effectiveness of vanadium for any condition.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Vanadium may act like insulin in the body and may improve how patients with diabetes use glucose. Well-designed studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 B


Vanadium may act like insulin in the body and may improve how patients with diabetes use glucose. Well-designed studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 B


There is limited human research investigating the effects of vanadium on alcohol-induced hangover. More studies are needed in this area.

 C


There is limited human research investigating the effects of vanadium on alcohol-induced hangover. More studies are needed in this area.

 C


There is limited human research investigating the effects of vanadium on hemodialysis. High-quality studies are needed in this area.

 C


There is limited human research investigating the effects of vanadium on hemodialysis. High-quality studies are needed in this area.

 C


Early studies suggest that vanadium may improve symptoms associated with cancer of the liver. Additional studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Early studies suggest that vanadium may improve symptoms associated with cancer of the liver. Additional studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Early studies suggest that vanadium may improve high blood pressure. Additional studies are needed in this area.

 C


Early studies suggest that vanadium may improve high blood pressure. Additional studies are needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
An average diet may provide 6-20 micrograms of vanadium daily. There is no proven safe or effective dose for vanadium in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Vanadium may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Vanadium may reduce blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Vanadium may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Vanadium may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased or decreased in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Vanadium may interact with anticancer drugs, antivirals, bone agents, cholesterol-lowering drugs, drugs that affect the heart, drugs that affect the immune system, drugs that are toxic to the kidney, or neurological agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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