VANADIUM

Prepared by:
Dianne V. Mamaid
CONTENTS
What is vanadium?
What are the functions of Vanadium?
What are the important sources of
Vanadium?
What is the recommended daily allowance
for Vanadium?
What are the symptoms of Vanadium
deficiency?
What are the symptoms of Vanadium
toxicity?
Is it safe to take Vanadium supplements to
treat Diabetes?
VANADIUM
Symbol: V
Atomic Number: 23
It is a soft, silvery grey, ductile transition
metal
Discovered by Andres Manuel del Rio then
rediscovered by Nils Gabriel Sefstrom
Vanadium is named after Vanadis, the
Scandinavian goddess of fertility.
Vanadium when oxidized to
Vanadium Pentoxide is TOXIC and it
is mainly used to produce specialty
steel alloys such as high speed tool
steels.
The role of vanadium in human health
and disease was piqued in early
1980s when research showed that it
has an insulin mimetic property.
The total amount of vanadium in
human body is estimated to be less
than 1 milligram

Chromium,Ferrous ion,Chlorine and

Aluminun hydroxide decrease
absorption of Vanadium
Ingested Vanadium
Vanadium

Tetra vanadyl

(stomach)

Cation vanadyl
(blood)

Will join transferrin and

ferritin
(plasma and body fluids)
High amount of Vanadium is can be
found in the following:
kidneys

spleen

lungs

testes

bones
 Functions
The actions on the global human metabolism
level include:

Control of cellular intake of certain

substances, most prominently glucose in
muscle

Increase of DNA replication and protein

synthesis via control of amino acid uptake.

Modification of the activity of numerous

enzymes.
The actions on cells include:

Increased glycogen synthesis

Increased fatty acid synthesis

Increased esterification of fatty acids

Decreased proteolysis
Decreased lipolysis

Decreased gluconeogenesis

Increased amino acid uptake

Increased potassium uptake

Arterial muscle tone

Important Food Sources
Recommended Daily Allowance

Maximum daily dose should not

exceed in 10 mg for a normal
individual of average size and in
reasonably in good health
Deficiency Symptoms of Vanadium

Chronic weight loss or gain

Frequent urination
Chronic thirst.
Cardiovascular and kidney disease,
impaired reproductive ability,
Increased infant mortality
The main symptoms of vanadium
deficiency are:

Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Cramps
Green tongue
When Vanadium (Vanadium Peroxide)
uptake takes places through air it can cause
the following:
Conjunctivitis
Chronic bronchitis
Skin rash
Nasopharyngitis

Cough

Labored breathing

Rapid heart beat

Skin pallor
 Is it safe to take vanadium
supplement to treat diabetes?
Those with hyperglycemia are
cautioned NOT to use supplemental
vanadium to manage their diabetes.

Those with hypoglycemia should

AVOID using supplements
Thank you!