VANADYL SULPHATE BODYBUILDING BENEFITS?

Vanadyl sulphate is derived from the trace mineral vanadium and can be found in natural foods such as soybeans, mushrooms and various types of seafood. It was only recently identified as being essential to humans.

The body only requires very small amounts of vanadium. High doses can be toxic and result in excessive fatigue. Most typical diets provide about 10-30 micrograms of vanadium each day.

In terms of specific bodybuilding benefits, vanadyl sulphate is mainly known as an “insulin mimicker”. It is said to have a tissue building effect by facilitating the motion of glucose and amino acids into the muscles at a faster rate.

On top of its supposed effects on increasing nutrient uptake into the muscles and keeping blood sugar levels balanced, vanadyl sulphate is also claimed to increase vascularity as well as blood flow to the muscle tissue.

This is similar to the claimed effects of nitric oxide supplements which are said to give the muscles that “pumped up” feeling both in and out of the gym.

On top of this, it is also claimed that vanadyl sulphate increases glycogen synthesis and storage.

Glycogen is the stored form of carbohydrates in the muscle and in addition to keeping the muscles looking full and round, glycogen is an important energy source during intense weight training and cardio sessions.

Does these supposed vanadyl sulphate bodybuilding benefits really live up to the hype?

Based on the evidence so far, it doesn’t appear that vanadyl sulphate promotes any measurable increase in muscle size and strength or a decrease in body fat.

Most of the studies conducted to date have been performed on rodents, and even still have not shown any convincing evidence that the supplement will provide positive benefits for humans.

In one 12-week study containing 40 participants, there was found to be no positive correlation between vanadyl sulphate supplementation and an increase in lean body mass. On top of this, 20% of the participants in the study reported significant fatigue both during and after training while using the supplement.

On top of the lack of reliable studies demonstrating any real vanadyl sulphate bodybuilding benefits, the real-world evidence is severely lacking as well. The general consensus among those experimenting with vanadyl sulphate is that it provides very little to no effects at all.

Vanadyl sulphate was mainly popular as a supplement during the early 90’s and since then has mostly faded away.

If you check out the shelves at your local supplement stores you’ll find that very few even stock vanadyl sulphate supplements anymore.

Typical doses are in the range of 30 to 50mg daily, however, I don’t see any reason at all to include vanadyl sulphate as part of your supplementation program.

There is no good evidence, neither in the lab nor the real world, that would suggest any measurable vanadyl sulphate bodybuilding benefits worth supplementing for.

In addition, if you are consuming a reasonable amount of vegetables and seafood in your diet then you should be receiving all of the vanadyl your body needs.

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