Vanadyl Sulfate Side Effects

Vanadyl sulfate is the most common and known form of vanadium, a naturally found mineral in the body. This element is also found in foods including, pepper, dill, oats, buckwheat, radishes, eggs and vegetable oils. Although its physiological role in the human body is still uncertain, according to some studies vanadyl sulfate is essential for normal growth and development. Recently, vanadyl sulfate has become a popular nutritional supplement for its insulin mimicking qualities as well as for its effective role in muscle building. But is this bodybuilding supplement really safe to use or there are some probable vanadyl sulfate side effects? Well, we will try to know this in the following sections, but before that let us first understand what are vanadyl sulfate effects on us.

Effects of Vanadyl Sulfate

Studies show that vanadium in the body works similar to insulin, i.e. it helps maintaining blood sugar levels. Basically when there is a high concentration of sugar or glucose in the blood stream, the body releases insulin hormone in order to tell the muscles, liver and fat tissues to utilize this glucose in the blood as a source of energy in place of stored fat as the main source of energy. As a result, the elevated glucose levels drop, subsequently the insulin levels also go down. Hence, such a person who has high blood sugar levels or uncontrolled insulin levels is considered to be suffering diabetes. According to some studies, vanadyl sulfate supplements help improve body's sensitivity to insulin and help treat diabetes.

Likewise, another field where vanadyl sulfate supplements have acquired immense popularity is bodybuilding. It is believed these bodybuilding supplements benefit bodybuilders and athletes to improve their performance by increasing the size and hardness of the muscles. The supplements increase the rate with which sugar is absorbed into the muscles, which makes the body stores more fat in comparison to the glucose. This increases the muscle mass and blood flow which helps bodybuilders and athletes in having bigger and harder muscles. These supplements boost the energy levels which help them perform strenuous exercises efficiently, and also provides faster recuperation time.

Some Side Effects

Despite these benefits, scientists are still deliberating whether vanadyl sulfate can be considered as safe to use supplements. This is because research shows long-term use of vanadyl sulfate has resulted in various health complication in people having it. It is believed that long-term use or excessive intake of vanadyl sulfate destroys beta cells, damages DNA, obstructs protein and nutrient synthesis in the body and increases the risks of various cardiovascular diseases.

Moreover, in order to ascertain the side effects of vanadyl sulfate on the glucose levels of diabetes, some tests were conducted on people suffering type 2 diabetes. Though the drug was quite effective in reducing the glucose levels, many patients reported upset stomach and gastrointestinal disturbances during the first week of supplementation. This raised question on vanadyl sulfate toxicity as most patients developed green tongue which is a symptom of toxic accumulation in the body. Also when consumed in high doses, vanadyl sulfate can damage the kidneys and the liver.

Though vanadyl sulfate does benefits us, especially those who are diabetic or those who look out for simple and effective ways to build bigger and stronger muscles, one cannot overlook its side effects. In fact, according to some studies, vanadyl sulfate side effects weighs far more than its benefits. Hence, it is strongly recommended that before opting for any such supplement, do consult your health care provider and after researching properly regarding its pros and cons, make a decision.