Vanadium (50,9 a.m.u.) is allegedly an essential or biologically valuable element; however, its physiologic role is not yet established well enough. Obvious vanadium deficit is not reported. Vanadium possibly plays some role in carbohydrate metabolism processes, activity of this element regarding some valuable ferments is reported. Vanadium compounding were used as therapeutic agents in treatment of anaemia, tuberculosis, syphilis, rheumatism, nowadays scientists are researching possibility to use vanadium in diabetes mellitus treatment (increased insulin activity), being used in food supplements.
Vanadium is intaken in human body with food (vegetable oil, mushrooms, parsley and dill, liver, fatty meat, soy, breadstuffs, sea products). overdose could be caused by intake of fish, prawns, crabs, oysters from regions located near oil wells.
Cases of vanadium intoxication are mostly caused by industrial factors. This element is widely spread in steel industry, insecticide, colorants, ink, varnishes manufacturing, in photography, is an element of orthopaedic prostheses.
High concentration of vanadium in industrial dust could cause damage of respiratory passages mucosa, bronchitis, damages of eye mucosa.
Vanadium intake in gastro-intestinal tract could cause gastrointestinal problems, kidney diseases, cardiovascular system damages, cerebrospinal system damages. Early signs of vanadium intoxication are paleness, diarrhoea, green tongue. High concentration of vanadium in hair correlates to the over absorption of this element.
