Nutrients
Vanadium
V
Included in Complete.
Compare membershipsVanadium's role in the body is still unclear.
Vanadium is a trace metal found in small amounts in food, water, and air. A clear role in the human body hasn't been identified, so it's measured mainly to check exposure.
Most vanadium comes from food, in tiny amounts.
Mushrooms, shellfish, black pepper, parsley, and dill seed are among the foods richer in vanadium. People living or working near industries that burn fuel oil or coal may breathe in more.
Vanadium supplements, such as vanadyl sulfate, have been used by some people with diabetes, at doses far above the tolerable upper intake level. Research on what blood vanadium levels mean for health is limited, and a result can't predict whether you'll have health effects.
Questions
What does a higher vanadium result mean?
It may reflect supplements, or exposure at work or near industry. Your clinician will ask about these and look at your result alongside your other markers.
Do I need to get enough vanadium?
No recommended intake has been set, because researchers haven't identified a functional role for vanadium in humans. Everyday food provides small amounts.