Trace Mineral Vanadium Against Diabetes?

Trace Mineral Vanadium Against Diabetes?
Vanadium is a curious trace element and somewhat difficult
to write about. It is a little known trace mineral which
seems to be required by the body in relatively tiny
amounts, and it is not even clear that it is absolutely
necessary at all. But there is nevertheless increasing
excitement about its potential therapeutic value. Low
blood levels of vanadium have been associated with
increases in cholesterol and blood sugar, and it is also
believed by some researchers that the mineral may play a
role in maintaining the vital balance between sodium and
potassium in cells. These characteristics of vanadium have
led to speculation that it may act as a protector against
heart disease, cancer and especially diabetes.

The idea that vanadium may be of benefit in the battle
against diabetes is of relatively recent origin, the first
animal research findings only coming to light in the 1980s.
But it has been the cause of great excitement. Initial
findings suggested that vanadium could control artificially
induced diabetes in animals, but orthodox medical opinion
remains cautious about the applicability of this research
to humans. Some nutritional therapists and practitioners,
however, have rushed to embrace vanadium's potential,
insisting that high dose vanadium supplements can reduce
levels of fasting blood sugar, as well as those of low
density lipids (LDLs), the so-called "bad cholesterol"
which is strongly associated with atherosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries).

Advocates of vanadium therapy also maintain that the
mineral can reduce the need for extra insulin in both Type
1 and Type 2 (late onset) diabetes. The problem, however,
is that it is difficult to obtain a high intake of vanadium
from food alone, and that the mineral in supplement form
appears to be relatively poorly absorbed by the body.
Moreover, there is evidence that the very high doses
required to obtain the therapeutic effects sought may bring
unwelcome and potentially serious side effects in their
wake; including kidney problems.

This is perhaps not so surprising when it is considered
that whilst a fairly typical diet might provide perhaps 50
mcg of vanadium daily, the suggested supplementary doses
may be as much as 100 mg; that is 2,000 times the normal
daily intake. Whilst potentially beneficial, such doses
represent a considerable shock to the system and it is
therefore strongly recommended that they be undertaken only
under qualified supervision.

And even enthusiasts for the therapeutic effects of
vanadium are at pains to stress that supplementary doses of
the mineral will be of little or no value for people not
suffering from a deficiency, and whose metabolism of
insulin is normal. The practice adopted by a few misguided
weightlifters and bodybuilders of taking large doses in the
hope of enhancing the anabolic (tissue building) effect of
the body's natural levels of insulin is therefore futile;
and may even be dangerous in view of the potential kidney
problems that may arise from very high doses.

No Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) have been
established for vanadium, probably because healthy
individuals following a normal diet should easily obtain
all that their bodies require. An adequate intake of
dietary vanadium can be ensured by the inclusion in the
diet of the following foods which are relatively rich in
the mineral: seafood, whole grains and buckwheat certain
types of seeds and beans, carrots, lettuce, garlic and
pepper.

And provided these dietary recommendations are followed,
single supplements of the mineral should be neither
necessary nor desirable for most people except as described
above. Commercial multi-mineral supplements, however,
commonly provide trace amounts of around 10 mcg of
vanadium, which may be regarded as a useful insurance,
particularly when that supplement also contains adequate
amounts of chromium, zinc, manganese and magnesium; all of
which are regarded by nutritionists as particularly useful
in helping the fight against diabetes and cardiovascular
problems.

But as ever, all of these minerals of course work at
optimal effectiveness in the presence of adequate amounts
of all the nutrients required by the body; and are best
taken as part of a comprehensive multi-vitamin and
multi-mineral supplement regime.

----------------------------------------------------
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter and journalist with a
particular interest in health and wellness.
Find out more at
http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Va
nadium.htm