The 8 Best Vanadium Supplements of 2024 available in Canada: A Dietitian’s Picks

Introduction

New in the history of the medical research phase, medical experts have studied the potential health benefits of a dietary supplement known as Vanadium. Vanadium supplements contain trace minerals found in small amounts in certain foods. It is sometimes used as a dietary supplement to help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, although the evidence for this use is limited. Besides regulating the blood sugar level, studies say this supplement effectively reduces the risk of heart disease and improves bone health.

Therefore, this blog will discuss the vanadium supplement’s effectiveness on human health. We have a list of the 8 best vanadium supplements in Canada that have significantly impacted mankind.

 

Let's take a deep dive into these 8 best Vanadium Supplements in Canada

Tips for choosing the right Vanadium supplements for you

Numerous vanadium supplements are available, each with slightly different properties. Some of the most common forms of vanadium supplements are

Vanadyl sulfate:

It is one of the most commonly used forms. It is believed to have a similar effect on blood sugar levels as insulin.

Vanadium chelates: 

These supplements bind vanadium to an amino acid, such as aspartate or glutamate, which helps improve absorption and bioavailability.

Vanadium citrate: 

This form of vanadium supplement is made by binding vanadium to citric acid. It is believed to be more easily absorbed by the body than other forms of vanadium.

Vanadium nicotinate: 

This is a form of vanadium supplement bound to nicotinic acid, believed to improve its absorption and bioavailability.

Vanadium pentoxide: 

This form of vanadium supplement is less soluble in water and has a lower bioavailability than other forms of vanadium.

It’s important to note that the safety and efficacy of these supplements can vary depending on the form and dosage, and more research is needed to establish their effectiveness and safety. Therefore, consulting a healthcare professional before taking any supplement is important.

Here are a few things to consider when buying a vanadium supplement:

Quality: 

Make sure to purchase supplements from a reputable brand and check for certifications such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) or NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) to ensure the quality of the product.

Dosage: 

Vanadium supplements are available in different dosages, so choose a dosage appropriate for your needs. It’s important to note that large doses of vanadium can be toxic, so it is important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking a vanadium supplement.

Form: 

Different vanadium supplements have different properties, so choose a form appropriate for your needs.

Consult a healthcare professional: 

Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking any medications.

Research: 

Before buying the supplement, research the product and brand. Read reviews and check the ingredient list to ensure it is the right product.

Check for expiry date: 

Check the supplement’s expiry date before buying it to ensure that it is fresh and compelling.

Benefits of using Vanadium supplements

While vanadium is not considered an essential nutrient, it has been studied for its potential health benefits. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to understand vanadium’s effects and establish recommended safe dosages fully. Here are a few potential benefits of vanadium supplements:

 

 

Blood sugar control: 

Medical researchers say that vanadium may increase insulin sensitivity by activating enzymes in the body involved in glucose uptake and metabolism. This can lead to an increase in glucose uptake by cells and a decrease in blood sugar levels.

Vanadium may also mimic some of the effects of insulin by activating a specific receptor in the body called the vanilloid receptor. Activating this receptor can lead to increased glucose uptake by cells, which can also decrease blood sugar levels.

Cholesterol levels: 

Vanadium may inhibit cholesterol synthesis by blocking the activity of an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the production of cholesterol. By blocking this enzyme, vanadium may reduce the amount of cholesterol that is produced in the liver.

Vanadium may also increase the breakdown of fats by activating enzymes in the body that are involved in fat metabolism. This can lead to an increase in the breakdown of fats and a decrease in the amount of fat stored in the body.

Bone health: 

Vanadium may increase the formation of new bone by activating enzymes in the body involved in bone formation, such as osteoblasts. By activating these enzymes, vanadium may promote the growth and development of new bone tissue.

Vanadium may also inhibit the breakdown of existing bone by blocking the activity of enzymes involved in bone breakdown, such as osteoclasts. By blocking these enzymes, vanadium may reduce the amount of bone loss over time.

Weight loss: 

Vanadium may increase the breakdown of fats by activating enzymes in the body involved in fat metabolism. This can lead to an increase in the breakdown of fats and a decrease in the amount of fat stored in the body.

Vanadium may also increase energy expenditure by activating enzymes in the body that are involved in thermogenesis, producing heat in the body. This can lead to an increase in the number of calories that are burned, which can help people lose weight.

Cancer: 

Vanadium may inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells by blocking the activity of enzymes involved in cell division and growth, such as protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase. By blocking these enzymes, vanadium may prevent the formation of new blood vessels needed to feed cancer cells’ growth.

Vanadium may also induce apoptosis in cancer cells by activating enzymes involved in programmed cell death, such as caspases. By activating these enzymes, vanadium may cause cancer cells to self-destruct, which can help to reduce the number of cancer cells in the body.

Side-effects of using Vanadium Supplements

Here are a few potential side effects of vanadium supplements:

Gastrointestinal problems: 

High doses of vanadium can cause stomach upset, nausea, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Headaches: 

Some people who take vanadium supplements may experience headaches.

Allergic reactions: 

Some people may be allergic to vanadium and experience symptoms such as rash, itching, and difficulty breathing.

Changes in blood sugar levels: 

Vanadium supplements may cause changes in blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes.

Changes in cholesterol levels: 

Vanadium supplements may cause changes in cholesterol levels, harming people with high cholesterol.

Changes in blood pressure: 

Vanadium supplements may cause changes in blood pressure, harming people with hypertension.

Changes in kidney function: 

High doses of vanadium supplements may cause changes in kidney function, harming people with kidney disease.

How to consume Vanadium Supplements

Before discussing the types of vanadium supplements, people can consume, let’s see the kind of food that naturally has traces of vanadium.

Vanadium is found in trace amounts in some foods, such as

• Shellfish, particularly oysters and mussels
• Mushrooms, particularly shiitake and morels
• Black pepper
• Some types of vegetable oils, such as soybean and rapeseed oil
• Beer
• Wine
• Some types of grain, such as oats and black beans

It is essential to note that the amount of vanadium in food is generally meager and may not be enough to meet the recommended daily intake. Also, the body absorbs vanadium from food differently than supplements, so it’s hard to say how much vanadium you are getting from food.

Vanadyl sulfate, vanadium amino acid chelates, vanadium citrate, vanadium nicotinate, and vanadium pentoxide are all forms of vanadium that can be consumed as dietary supplements.

Vanadyl sulfate: 

This form of vanadium is often sold as a dietary supplement in powder or capsule form. It can be taken by mixing the powder with water or juice or swallowing the capsules.

Vanadium amino acid chelates: 

These are vanadium compounds bound to amino acids, making them more accessible for the body to absorb. They are typically sold in capsule form and can be taken orally.

Vanadium citrate: 

This form of vanadium is a salt of citric acid and vanadium. It is sold as a dietary supplement in capsule or powder form and can be taken by swallowing the capsules or mixing the powder with water or juice.

Vanadium nicotinate: 

This form of vanadium is a salt of nicotinic acid and vanadium. It is sold as a dietary supplement in capsule form and can be taken orally.

Vanadium pentoxide: 

This form of vanadium is a type of vanadium oxide sold as a dietary supplement in powder or tablet form. It can be taken by swallowing the tablets or mixing the powder with water or juice.

Conclusion

Vanadium is a trace mineral that can be consumed as a dietary supplement, although it is not considered an essential nutrient. It has been studied for its potential health benefits, such as blood sugar control, cholesterol control, bone health, weight loss, and anticancer properties. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and establish safe dosages. It’s important to note that vanadium supplements may cause side effects and interact with other medications. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are currently taking any medications.