Vanadium
Also known as v, vanadyl, vanadyl sulfate
Key takeaways
- Vanadium was included in a network meta-analysis comparing mineral supplements for type 2 diabetes management (PMID: 36638933).
- Meta-analysis of biomonitoring indicates vanadium exposure is tracked via micronucleus tests in lymphocytes (PMID: 27894683).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 3 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Vanadium is a trace mineral investigated primarily for its potential to improve glycemic control in diabetes. Current research evidence is limited and fragmented, with a focus on glucose tolerance and environmental exposure monitoring.
By condition
Type 2 Diabetes
Weak
A network meta-analysis evaluated vanadium among various supplements for diabetes management, though it was part of a larger comparative study of many minerals.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Insufficient
A phase 3 clinical trial was conducted to study vanadium supplementation, but specific outcome data was not provided in the summary.
Effective doses
Not provided in the available study abstracts
Safety & interactions
No specific interactions or contraindications provided in the source text; however, vanadium is often monitored in the context of heavy metal toxicity.
Limitations
The available evidence is based on a very small number of studies, including one small clinical trial (N=14) and a broad systematic review, leaving a significant gap in high-quality, large-scale efficacy data.
Top-rated Vanadium products
Ranked by safety score and evidence coverage
How it's sold
Data aggregated from 10 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 3 sources, sorted by quality
**Xia et al., 2023** | Pharmacol Res | Systematic Review Xia Jiayue, Yu Junhui, ... Sun Guiju. Comparative effects of vitamin and mineral supplements in the management of type 2 diabetes in primary care: A systematic review and network meta…
**Annangi et al., 2016** | Mutat Res Rev Mutat Res | Meta Analysis Annangi Balasubramanyam, Bonassi Stefano, ... Hernández Alba. Biomonitoring of humans exposed to arsenic, chromium, nickel, vanadium, and complex mixtures of metals by using…
**NCT ID**: NCT00561132 **Phase**: PHASE3 **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 14 **Completion**: 2004-11
Frequently asked questions
What is vanadium and what is it used for?
Vanadium is a trace mineral that has been investigated primarily for its potential to improve glycemic control in people with diabetes. Current research evidence is limited and fragmented, focusing mainly on glucose tolerance and environmental exposure monitoring rather than established therapeutic use.
Does vanadium work for type 2 diabetes?
There is weak evidence suggesting vanadium may help manage type 2 diabetes, based on a network meta-analysis that compared it against other mineral supplements. However, because this was part of a larger comparative study and the overall evidence is weak, more robust research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Is there effective dosing information for vanadium supplements?
Effective doses for vanadium supplementation are not provided in the available study abstracts or evidence summaries. Consumers should not attempt to self-determine a dosage, as the optimal amount for health benefits has not been established in the current literature.
What are the safety concerns and side effects of vanadium?
Vanadium is often monitored in the context of heavy metal toxicity, indicating potential safety risks at higher levels. Specific interactions or contraindications are not provided in the source text, but due to the lack of established safety data, it is important to approach supplementation with caution and consult a healthcare provider.
Who should avoid taking vanadium supplements?
Individuals who are pregnant or taking other medications should avoid vanadium supplements unless explicitly approved by a healthcare provider. Since specific interactions are not documented and safety data is limited, those with existing health conditions or those on prescription drugs should seek professional medical advice before use.
Does vanadium help with impaired glucose tolerance?
The evidence for vanadium's effect on impaired glucose tolerance is currently insufficient. Although a phase 3 clinical trial was conducted to study this condition, specific outcome data was not provided in the summary, making it impossible to determine efficacy from the available information.