| Gender | Age | Intake |
|---|---|---|
| 18 years and over | Male | 1.8 mg/day |
| 18 years and over | Female | 1.8 mg/day |
This mineral, named for Vanadis, the Scandinavian goddess of beauty, is used in medical supplements, though many scientists are not sure whether human body needs it.
Arguably, vanadium takes part in maintaining healthy sugar and cholesterol levels in blood and helps to secrete hormones, but more scientific evidence is needed to prove these functions.
It is sometimes used for treating heart disease, low blood sugar, tuberculosis, diabetes, syphilis, edema, high cholesterol, and anemia.
There is evidence that it can be efficient in preventing cancers and acting like insulin.
Vanadium is often added to special supplements for weight-lifters. It is said to improve performance and endurance.
Lack of vanadium is extremely rare.
Vanadium is safe if you do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level, which is 1.8 mg/day for adults. Overdoses can lead to numerous side effects, like nervous system disorders, diarrhea, gas, nausea, loss of energy, greenish tongue, or abdominal discomfort.
If you just eat a balanced and healthy diet, you will get adequate amounts of this trace mineral.
You should not take vanadium supplement for a long time, because they can injure your kidneys. They are not recommended for children, people with kidney disease, and pregnant or lactating women.