What is it
Vanadium is a trace element found in most tissues of the body. It has been shown that this mineral salt is important for the prevention of heart disease and the development of bones and teeth.
Food sources
Good sources of vanadium are vegetable oils, whole grains, seafood, parsley, mushrooms, fruits and vegetables.
Effects
Vanadium participates in numerous chemical reactions that take place within the body, but its best known function is to inhibit the formation of cholesterol in blood vessels, an important risk factor for heart disease.
It also contributes to the mineralization of bones and teeth and is involved in energy production processes as a cofactor of enzymes in fat and glucose metabolism.
Deficiency
There are no known deficiency symptoms. Laboratory research on animals has shown that vanadium deficiencies lead to the onset of diabetes and hypoglycemia, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular diseases, problems in bone development.
Recommended doses
At present, no official body has expressed an opinion on the daily doses to be taken. However, it is believed that the daily requirement of vanadium for adults can vary from 0.1 to 0.3 mg.
Precautions
High doses can be toxic and have been associated with manic-depressive syndrome.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.