The Effects of Diet and Vanadyl Sulfate Supplementation on Blood Glucose levels of Diabetics: Review of Current Human Data and Recommendations for Further Study

Abstract

Studies in the literature have shown that vanadium supplementation has an insulin mimetic effect on the blood glucose levels of both animals and humans [1-8]. In the current literature, several studies have examined the effects of vanadium supplementation on blood glucose levels of both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. However, dietary intake of vanadium has not been considered. It is highly probable that vanadium from food sources may be more effective than supplementation alone due to the synergistic effects of the various food components. This raises several questions: Could a diet high in food sources of vanadium be more effective in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics compared with vanadium supplements alone? Could a diet high in food sources of vanadium increase the intestinal absorption of vanadium? Could a diet high in food sources of vanadium reduce the need for vanadium supplements while maintaining the effects of lowering blood glucose levels in diabetics? [5,8]. This review examines current human studies in the literature which report the lowering effects of vanadium on blood glucose levels of both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. The authors also recommend further study to determine whether a diet high in vanadium containing foods will improve blood glucose levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetics thereby providing an alternative and complementary means of managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.