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Vanadyl sulphate

Vanadyl sulphate is a derivative of the trace element vanadyl. It increases the uptake of nutrients by muscle cells by stimulating the insulin receptors on the muscle cell membrane, allowing up to 200% more amino acids and glucose to be transported into the muscle cells. While the additional amino acids are incorporated directly into the muscle tissue and thus trigger muscle cell growth, the glucose serves to replenish the muscle glycogen stores - thus increasing the energy level and accelerating regeneration. As the intake of vanadyl sulphate leads to a redistribution of nutrients (the body incorporates more proteins and carbohydrates into the muscle cell and not into the fatty tissue), vanadyl also inhibits the build-up of fat. Some athletes who have used vanadyl sulphate have noticed a better pump in the trained muscles, which indicates increased glycogen storage.

Side effects

Side effects of vanadyl sulphate include dizziness, cravings and increased sweating. These effects occur more frequently when vanadyl sulphate is taken between meals, as it leads to hypoglycaemia in those people who experience the aforementioned symptoms. Vanadyl sulphate should therefore always be taken with meals.

Dosage

My recommendation is to take 30-50mg a day, divided into three single doses with meals. The effective dose depends on body weight. The athlete should start with 15-30mg daily and then work up to a higher dose over the course of a week, up to 50mg per day.

References

  1. Arndt K. (HG.) (2001) Handbuch Nahrungsergänzungen-Bedeutung und Anwendung leistungssteigernder Substanzen für Bodybuilding und Kraftsport. Pages: 207-209
  2. Cohen N, Halberstam M, Shlimovich P, Chang CJ, Shamoon H, Rossetti L, (1995) Oral vanadyl sulfate improves hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Clin Invest 95: 2501-9
  3. Atkins RC (1998) Dr. Atkin's Vita-Nutrient Solution-Nature's Answer to Drugs. Simon & Schuster, New York