Vanadium (Symbol= V, Norse for Vanadis, a Norse deity)- Vanadium is a rare metallic element, whose nutritional requirment in the human is yet to be properly established. Vanadium has been established to be a component of some sea creatures (eg., sea squirts). We must keep in mind that some elements required in other animals may not be required in humans (eg., see tin, silicon, nickel, lithium.)

RDA of vanadium

ALthough the nutritional requirement of vanadium has not been completely established, many multivitamin compounds include 10 or more micrograms as a component. Many experiments were conducted to test the importance of vanadium because it is a powerful diuretic, and perhaps it could exert a role in homeostatic mechanisms, such as blood pressure. This remains to be fully elucidated. Nevertheless, this is an exciting prospect, as with all new finds in nutrition and its effect on physiological function of the human. Until this is fully understood, the good news is that vanadium is found in many foods and western diets provide at least 20 micrograms each day on average.

Toxicity of vanadium

Humans do not really have the chance to ingest large quantities of vanadium, considering it is a rare metal. If you find a large amount, let me know and I'll come collect if for you :o) However, vanadium vapour (eg., from any industrial process) could cause tissue inflammation. Obviously, any industry using this element in any process should take the suitable precautions (inhalation protection, etc.)