Vanadium: Trace Element To Be Treated With Caution

In chemistry, vanadium is one of the heavy metals, in food it occurs as a trace element. In the following you can read what function it has for the body and whether it is harmful or useful.

Many minerals, which are ingested in small amounts with food, are just as important for our health as vitamins. These so-called essential trace elements include, for example, iron, zinc, and selenium. If we take in too little of it over the long term, a deficiency can develop that has a negative effect on certain bodily functions. Science agrees on this and the German Society for Nutrition (DGE) gives recommendations on how much of the elements you should take in daily to cover your needs and prevent deficiency symptoms. The situation is different with vanadium. Its function in the body is still being researched. According to the current state of science, metal could affect metabolism and, above all, blood sugar levels. However, since there is still no evidence that vanadium is essential for life, it is listed as a non-essential trace element.

Requirements and foods with vanadium

For this reason, unlike the essential nutrients, there are no official intake recommendations for vanadium. For example, while there is no doubt about the role of magnesium in energy metabolism, bone maintenance, and nerve function, an adequate supply of calcium is considered important for bones, muscle function, blood clotting, and other vital processes, vanadium is even enjoy with caution. In too high doses, vanadium can lead to symptoms of poisoning! We therefore advise against taking food supplements containing vanadium. This also applies to groups such as athletes who take vanadium to improve muscle function. Vanadium is usually consumed via food anyway; it is found in meat, fish, nuts, vegetables, fruit, and legumes, among other things.

Side effects of vanadium overdose

You cannot consume too much vanadium in a normal diet. If you take dietary supplements, you should take a close look. Some products contain vanadium “by the way”, for example in mineral powders and tablets. Since medication for diabetes can also contain trace element, you should never take additional vanadium without consulting your doctor – it can lead to poisoning. Possible symptoms are gastrointestinal problems, a green discoloration of the tongue, tiredness, and headaches.