Vanadium facts

• Vanadium is a trace mineral
• Vanadium is poorly absorbed by the body from foods eaten
• Vanadium is eliminated through the urine and stools s
• Vanadium is concentrated in the liver, kidneys and lungs
• Vanadium supplements can be found in many forms
• Vanadium occurs in food, water and the environment
• Vanadium is released by petroleum products

Vanadium is one of the trace minerals, which means only a small amount of it is required in the diet to ensure good health.

Vanadium absorption by the body is very low. Studies show that between only 1-5% of the vanadium intake is absorbed by the intestines.

Vanadium, if ingested, is eliminated mainly unabsorbed in the stools, while absorbed (or inhaled) vanadium is eliminated through the urine.

The vanadium in the body is predominantly in the kidney, liver and lungs, but it is also in breast milk and saliva and passes through the blood-brain barrier. Animal studies show that the highest levels of vanadium are in the bones and teeth.

Vanadium supplements are available in many forms, with vanadyl sulphate and vanadate being two of the most common forms.

Vanadium occurs naturally in a number of foods, in water and also in the environment at different levels, so most people get adequate amounts of this mineral naturally without the need for supplementation.

Vanadium is released by a number of petroleum products, such as the petrol that is used to fuel car engines.