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Overview: Vanadium is an element that is found in very small amounts in the air, food, and water. Vanadium supplements are sometimes used for diabetes and high cholesterol, but their benefits are not well defined. Although these supplements seem to be well tolerated, there is limited research about what the common side effects may be. Before taking vanadium, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is vanadium used for?

Vanadium supplements are sometimes used for diabetes and high cholesterol. However, the benefits of vanadium for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed vanadium for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does vanadium work (mechanism of action)?

Vanadium is an essential ultra-trace element, meaning that your body needs it in very small amounts to function. However, it is not entirely clear what role vanadium plays in your body.

Vanadium is naturally found in tap water and many foods, including seafood, mushrooms, and some leafy greens. You may also breathe in vanadium from the air. Since it is not clear what functions vanadium performs in your body, there is no recommended daily amount of vanadium.

Some animal studies show that vanadium may increase your insulin levels and lower cholesterol levels. This has led to interest in using vanadium supplements for diabetes and high cholesterol. But there is not enough research in humans to know whether vanadium is helpful for these or any other uses.

How should I store vanadium?

You should store vanadium according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of vanadium?

Vanadium supplements seem to be well tolerated. But there isn’t enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of vanadium that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of vanadium?

While less common, the most serious side effects of vanadium are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vanadium may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking vanadium and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use vanadium?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take vanadium.

  • Bisglycinate oxovanadium
  • Vanadium (V)
  • Vanadyl sulfate
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific vanadium products they stock.

What should I know about vanadium before using it?

Vanadium is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep vanadium out of the reach of children.

Dietary supplements may contain many forms of vanadium. Some examples include vanadium sulfate (or vanadyl sulfate), bisglycinate oxovanadium, and vanadium chelate. Although your body may absorb some forms of vanadium better than others, it is not clear if any of these forms work differently in the body.

You can get vanadium from several places, including foods and other vitamins or supplements. Vanadium is not a common ingredient in most multivitamin and combination supplement products. However, it may be added to supplements that contain other trace elements. It is important not to take multiple products that contain vanadium. Although the safety of vanadium supplements is not well understood, too much vanadium can be harmful. If you are not sure how much vanadium you need or if you need a vanadium supplement, talk to your health care provider.

The FDA has not tested vanadium products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using vanadium?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if vanadium is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Diabetes
  • Kidney or liver problems

Pregnancy. There is some concern that vanadium supplements could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if vanadium passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does vanadium interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between vanadium and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect vanadium.

Does vanadium interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between vanadium and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with vanadium is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking vanadium with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much vanadium?

If you or someone else has used too much vanadium, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Vanadium supplements may contain different doses and forms of vanadium. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take vanadium safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.