VANADYL SULFATE # 29

Vanadyl sulfate is a sulphur bound form of the element vanadium.  Vanadyl sulfate is a unique mineral that research shows may be an "insulin mimicker" in that it, like the anabolic hormone insulin, may help shuttle glucose into muscle cells.  It is thought that it may also shuttle amino acids into muscle cells which may, in turn, support muscle growth.

Vanadyl sulfate is said to cause calories to be burned more rapidly (increased Basal Metabolic Rate), and to aid in the synthesis and retention of muscle, forcing fuel to be drawn from fat stores.  It lowers cholesterol and increases carbohydrate intake by the liver.  Also increase glycogen (your body's stored form of glucose) synthesis in the fat cells, as well as glycogen storage.  The combination of all these actions makes it an excellent supplement for athletic endurance, as well as weight loss programs that include exercise. 

As reported by Bill Phillips editor of Muscle Media 2000 on vanadyl sulfate, "I remember when I first started using vanadyl sulfate, within a week, my muscles felt fuller and more pumped.  I believe this confirms, at least in my body, that vanadyl sulfate helps increase the amount of glycogen that is being pushed into muscle cells, making them bigger... kind of like carbohydrate loading does when you're depleted".

Preliminary research on vanadyl sulfate shows that its insulin producing effect may be potent enough that it could be used by some diabetics to help them with their insulin management, (like the supplement chromium picolinate): if they have a medical condition such as diabetes they should be under the care of a health care professional, for monitoring.

Vanadyl sulfate proper dosage, without being toxic, has been controversial.  I think it's important to understand that virtually any mineral or supplement consumed can be toxic if to much is taken.  There is no evidence to suggest that using moderate levels of vanadyl sulfate (30 to 70 mg a day in divided doses) has a toxic effect.

The toxicity  reports on vanadyl sulfate have been tremendously overrated by certain "experts," it was not to do anyone harm, but they misinterpreted the data they were basing their claims on.

I would personally recommend for an athletic training program,  20 mg - 3 times per day, just before meals.  For better absorption take with 200 mcg of selenium and 1,000 mg of L-taurine.

Vanadyl sulfate should probably be avoided by people who have not completed their physical growth, and pregnant or lactating women.  Diarrhea can be a common side effect with vanadyl sulfate.