Vanadyl Sulfate

                                
Insulin has been receiving a lot of focus over the last decade due to its
responsibility for regulating the transport of carbohydrates (glucose) and
proteins into the muscle, liver, brain, and fat cells of the body. Theory
has been that if we could improve the performance of insulin, and hence the
body's metabolism, then muscles would be able to receive more vital growth
ingredients - the aformentioned muscle glycogen and proteins.

Vanadyl Sulfate has recently hit the market as an insulin mimicker. Insulin
is released by the body to let the muscle cells know there is a high
concentration of glucose available in the blood stream. Cells then send out
glucose transporter molecules to draw glucose from the blood into the cell
itself. (Ready for using as energy, or to increase glycogen levels for
later use.) When blood glucose levels are back to a normal level, insulin
levels also fall. Vanadyl Sulfate's importance to bodybuilders is that it
is able to trigger these glucose transporters in the same way as insulin,
obviously meaning increased glycogen levels, and better assimilation of
protein by muscle tissue.

So what is the exact effect of vanadyl sulfate in a workout? Well,
increased glycogen levels means more energy, faster recuperation, and less
breakdown of muscle protein for use as an energy source. Combined with a
higher level of protein assimilation into muscle, means faster gains in
muscle size and strength. The higher glycogen levels providing more energy
also means you will be able to push out more reps, or use a heavier weight,
providing more stimulus for muscle growth. Also, there is the positive side
effect of the muscles becoming larger and harder, with a permanently pumped
appearance from the extra stores of glycogen.

Vanadium is one of the heavy metals, and it has a high degree of toxidity,
so there are concerns about the safety of using vanadyl sulfate. Also, some
are cautious when it comes to insulin and blood sugar levels. However,
vanadyl sulfate is the least toxic form of vanadium, and it has been shown
conclusively that dosages less than 60mg per day are safe. (Note: some
studies have also shown up to 120mg a day being safe, but the validity of
these, and also the safety of continued high levels is doubtful.)

Vanadyl sulfate has been tested with diabetic animals and shown to
normalize their high blood glucose levels. After continued high dosages
there were no toxic side effects, including damage to the liver and
kidneys. Vanadyl sulfate is a safe and effective means of increasing stores
of muscle glycogen, with a long history of safe results for diabetics and
bodybuilders. The recommended dosage is between 30 and 40mg per day
depending on bodyweight (180 lbs+). It should be cycled on a 3 week on, 2
week off, or 3 month on, 2 week off basis. Vanadyl sulfate must be taken
with carbohydrates, or the biggest effect noticed in the gym will be
dizziness.

NOTE: I received great effects from vanadyl sulfate - most noticebly a fat
loss leading to more vascularity, and an increase in power and energy in my
workouts. This was on a dosage of 30mg daily. I will be using VS again, and
will probably increase the dosage to 60mg (the sort of dosage recommended
by those on misc.fitness.weights, including Dan Duchaine). Unfortunately, I
just can't afford it at the moment!