Vanadium

In its pure form,vanadium is a steel-grey heavy metal. It has the atomic number 23 in the periodic table of elements and the chemical symbol V. It is easy to work (forging, rolling) even under normal conditions (20° C). It is the 23rd most abundant element in the earth's crust. In nature, vanadium is mainly found in fossil fuels (crude oil). It was given its name by the Swedish chemist Niels Gabriel Sefström (1787-1845). He named it after the Norse goddess of fertility, love and spring, Frya (Fryja), who belonged to the Vanen family and was nicknamed Vanadis. Incidentally, our weekday Friday is also named after her. The discovery of this element is attributed to the Mexican chemist Andrés Manuel del Rio (1765-1849). Vanadium is mainly extracted from titanomagnetite ores in the USA, China, the CIS states and South Africa, whereby the light red mineral vanadimite (lead vanadamate), which is found particularly in Morocco, should be mentioned. Vanadium is mainly used for alloying steels, as a catalyst and in the production of dyes. There are indications that vanadium could be carcinogenic. It is certain that the inhalation of vanadium-containing dust leads to irritation of the respiratory tract. For this reason, maximum limits for the substance have been set for workplaces where vanadium is used, the so-called MAK values (minimum workplace concentration). The MAK value for vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is 0.1 mg/m3 smoke or 0.5 mg/m3 dust. The human organism contains about 100 g of vanadium, mainly in the skeleton and some internal organs.

Functions in the body

Vanadium is needed to build and maintain bones and teeth. Furthermore, the vanadium concentration is used for regulation at various points in the metabolism. For example, as an analog of ATP, VO4 3- inhibits the Na+-K+ pump, which plays a decisive role in electrolyte metabolism and in the development of electrical action potentials in the nerves and muscles.

Foods containing vanadium

Vanadium is mainly found in cooking oil, pulses and nuts.

Symptoms of deficiency

There is no reliable data in the literature on vanadium deficiency in humans.

Overdose and poisoning

A malnutrition can practically not lead to an overdose. This can only occur through an artificial supply of vanadium preparations or when working with vanadium-containing materials. Examples of this are work in vanadium extraction, iron and copper smelting, steel refining and the cleaning of oil heating systems. Depending on its chemical form, vanadium is toxic in high doses, leading to poisoning, formerly known as vanadism.

Symptoms of vanadium poisoning

Inhalation of vanadium pentoxide can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract, headaches, nausea and vomiting. If the poisoning occurs over a longer period of time, it is referred to as chronic poisoning. This usually manifests itself in the form of bronchitis. If vanadium or its compounds are absorbed perorally, i.e. via the gastrointestinal tract, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. Breathing difficulties and cramps are also possible symptoms.

Treatment of vanadium poisoning

If vanadium or vanadium compounds have been inhaled, fresh air should be supplied immediately or, if necessary, ventilation with oxygen should be given. If ingested orally, gastric lavage is indicated. Another therapeutic option is the intravenous supply of vitamin C (approx. 1g).

Requirements

The vanadium requirement varies greatly depending on the author. The figures vary from around 50 µg to 1 mg.