Mineral
Vanadium
Also known as: Vanadium Amino Acid Chelate, Vanadyl Sulfate, Vanadium Picolinate, VO4
Vanadium is a trace mineral that may support insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, though human evidence remains preliminary. It is often included in multivitamins at very low doses with limited clinical validation in humans.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Vanadium product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garden of Life Vitamin Code 50 & Wiser Women | 87 A | $1.01 |
| 2 | Thorne MediClear-SGS™ - Vanilla | 86 A- | $2.10 |
| 3 | Garden of Life Vitamin Code 50 & Wiser Men | 86 A- | $1.14 |
| 4 | Garden of Life Vitamin Code Women | 86 A- | $1.04 |
| 5 | Pure Encapsulations GlucoFunction | 85 A- | $0.55 |
| 6 | Nutricost Multivitamin Capsules | 85 A- | $0.27 |
| 7 | Garden of Life Vitamin Code Men | 85 A- | $1.02 |
| 8 | Garden of Life Vitamin Code Family | 85 A- | $1.33 |
| 9 | Pure Encapsulations Mineral 650 | 84 A- | $0.59 |
| 10 | Pure Encapsulations Longevity Nutrients | 84 A- | $1.20 |
| 11 | Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Calcium | 84 A- | $1.31 |
| 12 | Pure Encapsulations Mineral 650 (without copper & iron) | 84 A- | $0.62 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Vanadium should I take?
The typical range is 10-30 mcg daily (multivitamin form); research doses 25-150 mg daily. Long-term safety and efficacy beyond 8-12 weeks not well-established
When should I take Vanadium?
With meals. Recommended—may enhance absorption and reduce GI upset.
Which form of Vanadium is best?
Vanadium Amino Acid Chelate. Other forms in the catalog: Vanadyl Sulfate, Vanadium Picolinate, Vanadium Citrate.
Is Vanadium safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset at higher doses, Nausea, Abdominal discomfort, Diarrhea (with high-dose supplementation).
Which Vanadium supplement scores highest?
Garden of Life Vitamin Code 50 & Wiser Women, at 87/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Glucose metabolism support
- Insulin sensitivity
- Blood sugar regulation
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Vanadium reached a verdict on: 1 with a benefit, 1 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (1)
“Vanadium supplements ranked best in lowering total cholesterol levels with very low evidence certainty (SUCRAs:100%).” PMID 36638933
Not enough to say: glycemic control.
How it works
- May enhance insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue
- Potential tyrosine kinase inhibition affecting insulin signaling pathways
- May activate glucose transporter translocation
Dosage
- Typical range
- 10-30 mcg daily (multivitamin form); research doses 25-150 mg daily
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Recommended—may enhance absorption and reduce GI upset
- Duration
- Long-term safety and efficacy beyond 8-12 weeks not well-established
- Special populations
- Pregnant/nursing women should avoid; diabetics should consult physician before supplementing due to potential additive insulin effects
Forms
- Vanadium Amino Acid Chelate· 70/100
- Vanadyl Sulfate· 70/100
- Vanadium Picolinate· 70/100
- Vanadium Citrate· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset at higher doses
- Nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea (with high-dose supplementation)
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Renal impairment (potential accumulation)
- Diabetes (risk of hypoglycemia if combined with medications)
- Thyroid disorders (vanadium may affect thyroid function)
Products containing Vanadium
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Vanadium on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Most human evidence comes from small, short-term studies with mixed results. Animal studies show promise for glucose control, but clinical efficacy in humans at typical supplemental doses is not well-established. Lacks large-scale RCT support in humans.
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Mineral
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.