Vanadium (V)

There is no recommended daily requirement (RDA) for the trace element vanadium; a daily intake of 10–100 mcg is probably safe and adequate. Whether the element vanadium plays any nutritional, biochemical, or biologic role in the human is not clear.

Pathophysiologically relevant vanadium deficiency and excess are probably both rare.

Traces of vanadium are found in fish, vegetable oils, and olives. Vanadium may also be found in snap beans, dill, meat, radishes, and whole grains. Vanadium's functions are not fully understood, but it may act as a co-factor for enzymes involved in blood sugar metabolism, lipid and cholesterol metabolism, bone and tooth development, fertility, thyroid function, hormone production and neurotransmitter metabolism. Vanadium is known to stimulate glucose oxidation and transport in fat cells.

Toxicity

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that vanadium is possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Industrial workers breathing vanadium pentoxide may experience coughing problems which can last a number of days after exposure.

Excessive oral intake can causenausea and mild diarrhea. Stomach cramps have been reported in people taking sodium metavanadate or vanadyl sulfate for the experimental treatment of diabetes. Stomach cramps were reported in a study of people taking about 13 mg vanadium/day.

The health effects seen in children from exposure to toxic levels of vanadium are expected to be similar to the effects seen in adults. It is not known if children are more sensitive to vanadium toxicity than adults. It is also not known whether vanadium can cause birth defects.

Individuals exposed to cigarette smoke are exposed to higher-than-background levels of vanadium.

Diagnostics:
Measurements of vanadium concentrations in blood and urine can tell you whether you have been exposed to larger-than-normal amounts of vanadium. Blood and urinary vanadium levels are considered the most reliable indicators of occupational exposure to vanadium.

References

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 2012. Toxicological profile for Vanadium. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.

HEALTH EFFECTS - Toxicological Profile for Vanadium - NCBI Bookshelf