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Vanadyl sulphate

(Known as Vanadium, Vanadyl, Vanadyl sulphate)

tickBoosts energy
tickMuscle Builder
tickBoosts training pump
How does it work?
Vanadyl sulphate is an essential trace mineral present in varying amounts in the soil and in many foods. It's derived from the trace mineral vanadium.
Who is it used for?
Vanadyl sulphate is extremely popular with bodybuilders. Used 15-20 minutes prior to a competition, it helps to increase vascularity and muscle "fullness." Bodybuilders using vanadyl sulphate regularly for several week usually gain both muscle size and strength.
How does it work?
The interest in vanadium began in the late 1970s when research highlighted the important role vanadyl sulphate plays in the control of blood sugar levels [3]. When you eat large amounts of carbohydrates, sugar levels in the blood increase. This sugar can be stored as fat. However, studies show that vanadyl sulphate increases the rate at which carbohydrate and protein enter muscle cells. This helps to swell each muscle fibre, increasing both muscle size and vascularity. There is also evidence to show that vanadyl sulphate diverts sugar away from storage in fat cells, reducing the amount of fat your body stores.

Competitive bodybuilders find vanadyl sulphate especially effective because of the fullness it gives their muscles. It's usually taken prior to exercise in order to improve the muscle "pump" and vascularity. Vanadyl sulphate is so effective, it has been used to lower blood sugar levels and control insulin in diabetics [1, 2]. In one study of people with type II diabetes, vanadium also lowered total and LDL (the "bad") cholesterol. The best sources of vanadium are mushrooms, shellfish, black pepper, parsley, dill weed, soybeans grain and grain products, sweeteners, and some cereals. A normal diet typically provides about 10-30 micrograms of vanadium per day.
How do I use it?
Vanadyl sulphate is used in one of two ways. Most bodybuilders report greater pumps and feelings of muscle "fullness" when approximately 60 milligrams of vanadyl sulphate is taken 15-20 minutes before exercise or a competition. Bodybuilders who regularly use Vanadyl sulphate with high-carbohydrate meals (20-30 milligrams three times daily) usually gain both muscle strength and size, when combined with an appropriate diet and vigorous weight-training programme.
What results can I expect?
Most bodybuilders report greater pumps and feelings of muscle "fullness" when approximately 60 milligrams of vanadyl sulphate is taken 15-20 minutes before exercise or a competition. Regular users of vanadyl sulphate usually notice greater strength, vascularity and muscle size after 3-7 days.
What can it be combined with?
Some bodybuilders also combine vanadyl sulphate with other nutrients such as alpha-lipoic acid and chromium and use it before exercise or a contest to enhance vascularity and muscle hardness.

1. Cohen N, Halberstam M, Shlimovich P, Chang CJ, Shamoon H, Rosseti L. (1995). Oral vanadyl sulfate improves hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 95, 2501-2509
2. Cusi K, Cukier S, DeFronzo RA, Torres M, Puchulu FM, Rdondo JC. (2001). Vanadyl sulfate improves hepatic and muscle insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 86, 1410-1417
3. Goldwaser I, Gefel D, Gershonov E, Fridkin M, Shechter Y. (2000). Insulin-like effects of vanadium: basic and clinical implications. Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, 80, 21-25
4. Hoeger WW, Harris C, Long EM, Hopkins DR. (1998). Four-week supplementation with a natural dietary compound produces favorable changes in body composition. Advances in Therapy, 15, 305-314

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