WHAT IS VANADYL SULPHATE?
Vanadyl sulphate is an essential trace mineral present in varying
amounts in the soil and in many foods. It's derived from the trace mineral
vanadium.
HOW DOES VANADYL WORK?
Research in the 1970's gave rise to the interest in vanadium as it highlighted the important role vanadyl sulphate plays in the control of
blood sugar levels, much like chromium. Now when you eat any amount of carbohydrates, sugar
levels in the blood increase. Of course this is because carbohydrates are
sugars and are converted into human blood sugar (glycogen) and if not used,
stored. This sugar can be stored as fat. However,
studies show that vanadyl sulphate increases the rate at which
carbohydrate and protein enter muscle cells. This helps to swell each
muscle fibre, increasing both muscle size and vascularity. There is also
evidence to show that vanadyl sulphate diverts sugar away from
storage in fat cells, reducing the amount of fat your body stores. All in
all a very handy tool for anyone interested in physique development.
Vanadyl Sulphate is
especially effective for use by competitive bodybuilders
because of the fullness it gives to their muscles. It's usually taken prior
to exercise in order to improve the muscle "pump" and
vascularity. Vanadyl sulphate is so effective, it has been used to lower
blood sugar levels and control insulin in diabetics much like the use of
alpha lipoic acid and chromium. In one study
of people with type II diabetes, vanadium also lowered total and LDL (the
"bad") cholesterol. The best sources of vanadium are mushrooms,
shellfish, black pepper, parsley, dill weed, soybeans grain and grain
products, sweeteners, and some cereals. A normal diet typically provides
about 10-30 micrograms of vanadium per day.
Vanadyl sulphate is extremely popular with bodybuilders. Used 15-20
minutes prior to a competition, it helps to increase vascularity and
muscle "fullness." Bodybuilders using vanadyl sulphate regularly
for several week usually gain both muscle size and strength.
HOW MUCH AND WHEN?
Vanadyl sulphate is used in one of two ways. Most bodybuilders report
greater pumps and feelings of muscle "fullness" when
approximately 60 milligrams of vanadyl sulphate is taken 15-20 minutes
before exercise or a competition. Bodybuilders who regularly use Vanadyl
sulphate with high-carbohydrate meals (20-30 milligrams three times daily)
usually gain both muscle strength and size, when combined with an
appropriate diet and vigorous weight-training program.
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