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SupplementScience

Types of Vanadium: Forms & Bioavailability

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest ForElemental Content
Vanadyl SulfateLow (1-5%)Most common and studied supplement form — poor absorption but most evidence31% elemental vanadium by weight
Bis(maltolato)oxovanadium (BMOV)ModerateResearch compound with improved absorption — not widely available as supplement
Sodium OrthovanadateLowResearch use — more commonly used in laboratory studies than as a supplement

Vanadyl Sulfate

Bioavailability: Low (1-5%). Best for: Most common and studied supplement form — poor absorption but most evidence. Elemental content: 31% elemental vanadium by weight.

Bis(maltolato)oxovanadium (BMOV)

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Research compound with improved absorption — not widely available as supplement.

Sodium Orthovanadate

Bioavailability: Low. Best for: Research use — more commonly used in laboratory studies than as a supplement.

References

  1. (). Oral vanadyl sulfate improves hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Journal of Clinical Investigation. DOI
  2. (). Oral vanadyl sulfate improves insulin sensitivity in NIDDM but not in obese nondiabetic subjects. Diabetes. DOI
  3. (). Vanadium in diabetes: 100 years from Phase 0 to Phase I. Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. DOI