Vanadium
VANADIUM is a trace mineral declared by some to be essential, but any evidence is not as yet widely accepted. It appears to have a role in the regulation of sodium and in the metabolism of glucose and lipids. Not easily absorbed, vanadium may be necessary for cellular metabolism and in the formation of bones, teeth, growth, and reproduction. It is toxic in high doses, proven during limited studies where subjects were given 4-18 mg. per day over a six to ten week period. Accumulations have been found in the bone, kidneys, liver, spleen, and testes. In foods, vanadium can be found in fish, dill, olives, snapbeans, vegetable oils (non-processed), and whole grains, as well as in the form of sodium orthovanadate in some mineral supplements.
Names include: V and element 23.
Deficiency symptoms include: deterioration of growth and bone, teeth demineralization, heart disease, raised blood cholesterol, increased triglycerides, deterioration of fat metabolism, increased squalene synthetase levels, decreased acetoacetylcoenzyme A levels, abnormal bone growth, liver deterioration, decreased cancer resistance, deterioration of reproductive systems.
Toxicity symptoms include: (can be detoxified with Vitamin C); anemia, green tongue, confusion, inflammation of lungs and eyes, cataract development, cramps, and diarrhea.
