Vanadium

Commonly used for

Metabolic Health

What is it? / Overview

Vanadium ions inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatases and mimic insulin at the receptor level, enhancing glucose uptake in lab studies -- but the doses needed to see this approach levels associated with GI toxicity and reactive-oxygen-species generation, which is why this ships as a safety-screening entry rather than an active recommendation.

How is it used? / Administration

Form: Vanadyl sulfate or bis(maltolato)oxovanadium

Typical dose studied: No established safe wellness dose -- studied glucose effects used doses (50-100+ mg/day of vanadyl sulfate) associated with GI toxicity

Timing: Not established

Ships deliberately trigger-empty -- included so the platform can flag hypoglycemia/renal risk if a user reports already taking it, not to recommend it. GI side effects (cramping, diarrhea) are common even at consumer doses.

How well does it work? / Evidence

? Emerging / limited evidence

Who should avoid it?

Avoid with: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Chronic kidney disease (Stage 3, 4, or 5) — NOT on dialysis; Dialysis (Hemodialysis or Peritoneal Dialysis)

Interacts with: Insulin and other antidiabetic agents -- vanadium is insulin-mimetic, additive hypoglycemia risk

Already taking it? There is no established safe, effective wellness dose -- the gap between an active dose and a toxic one is narrow. Not something to continue without a specific clinical reason and physician oversight.

Research & references

Tripathi D et al. (2018). Vanadium in Biosphere and Its Role in Biological Processes. Biological Trace Element Research. Gruzewska K et al. (2014). Essentiality and Toxicity of Vanadium Supplements in Health and Pathology. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology.