Vanadyl
What is Vanadyl?
Vanadium is a metal ion that exhibits insulin-like effects.
Proposed Benefits of Vanadyl
Vanadium compounds have insulin-like properties. For diabetics this may help lower blood glucose levels. Also because insulin is an anabolic hormone, it is proposed that vanadyl may increase muscle mass.
Mechanism of Action of Vanadyl
It is proposed that vanadyl sulphate has insulin-like properties which could potentially increase lean body mass in those taking part in resistance training.
Research on Vanadyl
The research that has shown vanadium compounds to have insulin-like properties have been conducted on rats and type 2 diabetics. A recent study by Jentjens showed that there were no acute or short-term effects of vanadyl sulphate supplementation on insulin sensitivity in healthy humans (1).
There are suggestions that vanadyl sulphate may improve insulin sensitivity in diabetics but there are no long-term human studies (2).
In a review of nutritional supplements to increase muscle mass it was concluded that vanadyl sulphate does not appear to be effective in increasing lean body mass (3).
Rating of Efficacy for Vanadyl
Vanadyl may improve insulin sensitivity for those with diabetes and insulin resistance. The research looking at the effects of vanadyl on body composition is not convincing.
4/10
References
1. Jentjens R.L. and Jeukendrup A.E. Effect of acute and short-term administration of vanadyl sulphate on insulin sensitivity in healthy active humans. Int J Sport Nutr & Ex Metab. 12:470-479, 2002.
2. Gin H. and Rigalleau V. Insulin resistance: therapeutic approaches. Annales Endocrinologie. 60:188-196, 1999.
3. Clarkson P.M. and Rawson E.S. Nutritional supplements to increase muscle mass. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 39:317-328, 1999.
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