In type 2 diabetics 100 mg may be of therapeutic value. However, long-term safety has not been established and
this dosage is a thousand times higher than the normal daily intake level. Many experts consider this to be an
unwarranted intervention for this reason and suggest that high doses will likely prove to be unsafe over the long
term7, as suggested by animal studies.2
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Minerals
Side Effects and Toxicity
Animal studies reveal that vanadium can be toxic causing elevated blood pressure, reduction in coenzyme Q10 levels,
stimulation of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and interference with cellular energy production. However, these studies
used Vanadate, not Vanadyl Sulfate. Human subjects appear to tolerate Vanadyl Sulfate quite well. Human subjects
have reported cramps and diarrhea at intakes of 22.5 mg of Vanadium. Higher Vanadium levels are also linked to
manic depression.2
N.B. The use of Vanadyl Sulfate by body builders and weight lifters as a mean to enhance muscle growth and
strength does not appear to be useful, according to available evidence and long-term safety issues.2,9
Drug-Nutrient Interactions
There are no well-known drug nutrient-interactions for Vanadyl Sulfate. However, manic-depressive patients taking
Lithium would be best advised not to supplement with Vanadyl Sulfate. Vanadyl Sulfate may counteract the ef ect of
Lithium.5
Pregnancy and Lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, the only supplements that are considered safe include standard prenatal
vitamin and mineral supplements. All other supplements or dose alterations may pose a threat to the
developing fetus and there is generally insuf icient evidence at this time to determine an absolute level of
safety for most dietary supplements other than a prenatal supplement. Any supplementation practices
beyond a prenatal supplement should involve the cooperation of the at ending physician (e.g., magnesium
and the treatment of preeclampsia.)
References: Pregnancy and Lactation
1. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Murray M. Prima Publishing 1998.
2. Reavley NM. The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs. Evans and
Company Inc. 1998.
3. The Healing Power of Herbs (2nd edition). Murray M. Prima Publishing 1995.
4. Boon H and Smith M. Health Care Professional Training Program in Complementary Medicine.
Institute of Applied Complementary Medicine Inc. 1997.
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Minerals
1. Standard Textbooks of Nutritional Science:
-
Shils M, Shike M, Olson J, Ross C. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins; 1993.
-
Escott-Stump S, Mahan LK, editors. Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders
Company; 2000.
-
Bowman B, Russell RM, editors. Present Knowledge in Nutrition, 8th ed. Washington, DC:.ILSI Press; 2001.
-
Kreutler PA, Czajka-Narins DM, editors. Nutrition in Perspective. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Inc.; 1987.
2. Harland BF, Harden-Williams BA. Is vanadium of human nutritional importance yet? J Am Diet Assoc 1994;94:891-4.
3. Brichard SM, Henquin JC. The role of vanadium in the management of diabetes. Trends Pharmacol Sc 1995;16:265-70.
4. Hendler S. The doctors’ vitamin and mineral encyclopedia. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster 1990. p. 194-5.
5. Murray M. Encyclopedia of nutritional supplements. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing; 1996. p. 232-4.
6. Cohen N, Halberstam M, Shlimovich P, Chang CJ, Shamoon H, Rossetti L. Oral vanadyl sulfate improves hepatic and peripheral
insulin sensitivity in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. J Clin Invest 1995;9:2501-9.
7. Boden G, Chen X, Ruiz J, van Rossum GD, Turco S. Effects of vanadyl sulfate on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in patients
with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mel itus. Metab Clin Exp 1996;45(9)1130-5.
8. Aharon Y, Mevorach M, Shamoon H. Vanadyl sulfate does not enhance insulin action in patients with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes
Care 1998;21:2194.
9. Fawcett JP, Farquhar SJ, Walker RJ, Thou T, Lowe G, Goulding A. The effect of oral vanadyl sulfate on body composition and
performance in weight-training athletes. Int J Sport Nutr 1996;4:382-90.
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Minerals
Zinc
General Features
Zinc is ubiquitous in plants, micro organisms and animals. The average adult body contains 1.5 to 3.0 mg of zinc with
approximately 60 percent in muscles, 30 percent in bones and 6 percent in skin. The highest concentrations of zinc
are in the prostate gland and sperm in men, and in red and white blood cells. The retina of the eye, liver and kidneys
also have high concentrations.
Zinc functions in over 200 (possibly 300) enzymatic reactions in the body. It is found in every body cell, and is involved
in numerous functions including synthesis and stabilization of genetic material, cell division, immune function,
synthesis and secretion of insulin and other hormones, wound healing, maintenance of healthy skin, neurotransmitter
function, vision, taste acuity, sense of smell, hydrochloric acid production in the stomach, prostaglandin synthesis,
muscle contraction, alcohol detoxification, prostate function, testicular development, sperm production and other
functions. In fact, zinc functions in more enzymatic reactions than any other material.
Zinc Deficiency
Overt zinc deficiency can result in eczema (face and hands), hair loss, mental apathy, low sperm count, testicular
atrophy, delayed sexual maturation, menstrual irregularities, decreased growth and impaired mental development.
Loss of taste acuity, sense of smell, anemia, delayed wound healing, susceptibility to infections, impotence in men and
nerve damage are other possible signs and symptoms of sub-optimal zinc status.
Acrodermatitis enteropathica, a rare disease in infancy, is caused by a genetic inability to absorb zinc. Skin rashes
appear when a baby is young. When breastfeeding is stopped, gastrointestinal problems, decreased growth and
mental abnormalities are seen.
Absorption and Metabolism
The exact site of zinc absorption has not been determined, but data suggest the ileum as the primary site. On
average, 20 to 40 percent of dietary zinc is absorbed. Zinc absorption decreases with age. People over 65 may
absorb only half as much zinc as those 25 to 30 years of age.
Zinc is absorbed via an energy-dependent carrier system that involves citric acid, picolinic acid, vitamin B6 and
possibly other yet undetermined compounds. High intakes of copper can inhibit zinc absorption, but this is not a
concern in regards to most multiple vitamin and mineral products, where there is typically more zinc than copper. An
intake of iron to zinc that exceeds 3:1 can also impair zinc absorption. Most well-designed vitamin and mineral
products do not exceed a 3:1 ratio of iron to zinc and are, therefore, a bioavailable source of both minerals.
Albumin is the main transport protein for zinc in the blood, but some is also bound to transferrin, ceruloplasmin, and
gamma globulin. Zinc excretion is almost solely via feces in healthy individuals. Increased urinary zinc loss signifies
nephrosis, diabetes, alcoholism, hepatic cirrhosis, porphyria, or starvation.1
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Minerals
Recommended Daily Al owance (Zinc)
Age Group
Milligrams
0 -12 mths
5
1-10 yrs
10
Males 11 yrs and older
15
Females 11 yrs and older
12
Pregnant females
15
Lactating females
192
Supplementation Studies and Clinical Applications
1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Zinc supplementation has been shown to reverse symptoms of BPH.3,4 Zinc has been shown to inhibit the activity
of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme that irreversibly converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is
linked to accelerated prostate cell division, proliferation and BPH. Zinc also inhibits specific binding of androgens to
the cystosol and nuclear androgen receptors.5,6 Zinc has also been shown to inhibit prolactin secretion by the
pituitary, an effect that also reverses and helps to prevent BPH. Prolactin increases the uptake of testostorone by
the prostate, thereby increasing the potential build up of DHT.7,8,9 Short-term studies have used as much as 45-60
mg of zinc per day.