Vanadyl Sulfate is a sulphur-bound form of the element vanadium. Vanadyl sulfate is a unique mineral that research shows may be an “insulin mimicker” in that it, like the anabolic hormone insulin, may help shuttle glucose into muscle cells. It is thought that it may also shuttle amino acids into muscle cells which may, in turn, support muscle growth. Vanadyl sulfate is said to cause calories to be burned more rapidly (increased Basal Metabolic Rate), and to aid in the synthesis and retention of muscle, forcing fuel to be drawn from fat stores. It lowers cholesterol and increases carbohydrate intake by the liver. It also increases glycogen (your body’s stored form of glucose) synthesis in the fat cells, as well as glycogen storage. The combination of all these actions makes it an excellent supplement for athletic endurance, as well as weight loss programs that include exercise. Preliminary research on vanadyl sulfate shows that its insulin-producing effect may be potent enough that it could be used by some diabetics to help them with insulin management (like the supplement chromium picolinate). Scientists involved in a 2006 clinical study conducted at the State University of New York already knew that vanadium compounds, administered orally, could alleviate diabetic symptoms in both humans and rodents without causing hypoglycemia. In their study, though, they dug deeper into the genetics of diabetes. Their question was: could vanadium compounds change the global gene expression of diabetes, as well as alleviate symptoms? Their findings indicated that yes, vanadyl sulfate could generally normalize gene changes brought on by diabetes. In another single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 8 male and female subjects who had Type 2 diabetes took 50mg of vanadyl sulfate twice each day for 4 weeks. After that time, a 4 week placebo phase was instituted. The patients experienced some improvements in both fasting glucose and hepatic insulin resistance following the trial period and throughout the placebo period. However, it is important to note that those with a medical condition such as diabetes still should be under the care of a health care professional for monitoring. It is also important to understand that virtually any mineral or supplement—even food and water—can be toxic if too much is taken. Using moderate levels of vanadyl sulfate, as per the label specifications, is important. For greater absorption, when using with an athletic training program, take 20 mg – 3 times per day, just before meals, along with 200 mcg of selenium and 1,000 mg of L-taurine.