Vanadyl Sulfate Pentahydrate
Also known as: Vanadyl sulfate, VOSO4·5H2O, Vanadyl Sulfate Pentahydrate
Overview
Vanadyl Sulfate Pentahydrate is a synthetic inorganic salt of vanadium, specifically containing vanadium in the +4 oxidation state (V4+). It is not found naturally in significant dietary sources but is used as a dietary supplement. Primarily, it has been investigated for its potential to improve glycemic control in individuals with diabetes and insulin resistance, as well as for effects on lipid and muscle metabolism. This compound is relatively water-soluble and exhibits insulin-mimetic properties in laboratory and animal studies. While several clinical trials and some systematic reviews exist, the overall evidence for its clinical efficacy in humans remains inconclusive, and safety concerns have been noted.
Benefits
Vanadyl sulfate has been studied for its potential to lower blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity, primarily in individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, a systematic review concluded there is no good evidence that oral vanadium supplementation, including vanadyl sulfate, improves glycemic control in diabetes. Some animal studies have indicated effects on lipid metabolism and erythrocyte parameters, but these findings have not been consistently replicated or confirmed in human trials. The effect sizes observed in human studies are generally small or non-significant, with confidence intervals often including no effect, suggesting a lack of clinical significance. No strong evidence supports benefits in populations other than those with type 2 diabetes, and the time course for any potential benefits is not well established.
How it works
Vanadyl sulfate is believed to act as an insulin mimetic by interfering with protein tyrosine phosphatases. By inhibiting these enzymes, it can enhance the phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and subsequent downstream signaling pathways. This mechanism is thought to improve glucose uptake into cells, particularly in muscle and adipose tissue, thereby influencing glucose metabolism. In animal models, it may also affect erythrocyte enzyme activities and markers of oxidative stress. The oral bioavailability of vanadyl sulfate is low and variable, and vanadium compounds tend to accumulate in various tissues, which raises safety considerations.
Side effects
Vanadyl sulfate has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small. Common side effects, reported in more than 5% of users in human trials, include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may involve potential hematological changes and mild oxidative stress. Rare side effects (less than 1%) include possible developmental toxicity observed in animal models. Vanadyl sulfate may interact with antidiabetic drugs, necessitating caution. It is contraindicated in pregnant women due to observed embryotoxic and fetotoxic effects in animal studies, and caution is advised in individuals with renal impairment. Children and pregnant women should avoid its use due to limited safety data and potential risks.
Dosage
Due to a lack of consistent efficacy, a minimum effective dose for vanadyl sulfate has not been well established. Clinical trials have utilized doses ranging from 50 mg to 150 mg of elemental vanadium daily, but there is no consensus on an optimal dosage. Toxicity has been observed in animals at doses exceeding 3 mg V/kg/day, indicating a low observed adverse effect level, and human safety margins remain unclear. Vanadyl sulfate pentahydrate is the common supplement form and is typically administered orally, often in divided doses. Taking it with food may help reduce gastrointestinal upset, though food can also reduce its already low and variable absorption. No specific cofactors are clearly established as required for its action.
FAQs
Is vanadyl sulfate effective for diabetes?
Current systematic reviews indicate no convincing evidence that vanadyl sulfate significantly improves glycemic control in individuals with diabetes.
Is vanadyl sulfate safe to use?
Safety concerns exist, especially at higher doses. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, and potential toxicity has been reported, including developmental risks in animal studies.
When should vanadyl sulfate be taken?
There is no established optimal timing. It is often taken with meals to help mitigate potential gastrointestinal discomfort, though this may affect absorption.
How soon do effects appear?
No consistent clinical benefit has been observed in human trials, making it difficult to determine a timeline for effects.
Are there misconceptions about vanadyl sulfate?
Yes, many marketing claims often overstate the benefits of vanadyl sulfate, lacking strong clinical support from high-quality research.
Research Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK76434/ – This systematic review of oral vanadium supplements, including vanadyl sulfate, concluded that there is no good evidence to support the improvement of glycemic control in diabetes. The review analyzed randomized controlled trials, noting heterogeneity among studies and variable dosing, but ultimately found insufficient clinical efficacy despite moderate to high quality of included studies.
- https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=P100YBBM.TXT – This animal study investigated the toxicity of vanadyl sulfate, showing hematological changes and alterations in oxidative stress markers at doses of 3 mg V/kg/day and above. While no mortality was observed, reduced body weight gain indicated a low observed adverse effect level (LOAEL), highlighting potential toxicity risks even at moderate doses.
- https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jat.2550100307 – This study focused on the developmental toxicity of vanadyl sulfate pentahydrate, demonstrating embryotoxic and fetotoxic effects in mice following oral administration. The findings suggest potential teratogenicity, raising significant safety concerns regarding its use, particularly in pregnant individuals, despite species-specific limitations.