Vanadium

Unproven· human data

A trace element marketed for blood sugar on weak evidence and with a toxicity concern.

Vanadium is a trace element marketed for blood-sugar control and, at times, muscle. High doses can mimic some insulin effects in the lab, which is the basis for the claims.

In humans the evidence is weak, and the doses studied for glucose effects were high enough to cause gastrointestinal toxicity. There is no good case for supplementing it, and a real safety concern at meaningful doses.

Sources

PubMed: vanadium supplementation glucose insulin toxicity (research overview)

Written and reviewed by Mathew Beale, MSc Biotechnology, University of Reading.

Last reviewed: 22 July 2026