I do research on every new thing I take before it goes in my body [im a slight hypochondriac] and found some interesting information on BMOV [a more potent form of vanadium.. found in BASIC 3]..

Robert Crayhon's Interview with Dr. John McNeill (co inventor of BMOV)


There are no long term studies on its affects.. however the amount in Basic 3 is so minimal [40 mcg over the entire day].. is it a cause for concern? Should i take this if my sugar rarely goes over 70 or will it cause me to have bouts of hypoglycaemia? "there is a potential of producing hypoglycemia, particularly in someone using other medication" (im not). What about its interaction with chromium, magnesium and zinc? since they work in different ways to lower glucose.. couldnt this potentially cause severe bouts of hypoglycaemia? Or, since it is such a minimal amount, do i have a cause for concern? Dr Atkins obviously knew that BMOV has an 'appetite suppressant' effect and also the potential of it to help lower blood sugars.. along side that we have chromium which does the same..

There are also studies linking blood pressure and insulin metabolism.. the present studies show that some agents affecting the glucose/insulin system can lower BP [study found here] .. BMOV is one of those agents..my systolic is 105/ diastolic is 67 (most times it is closer to 60) is this a concern for me?

[more info]
[more info]
[The antineoplastic effects of vanadium]
[more info]

I know the majority of people here arent doctors (is anyone here?).. just asking for advice, not Rx


thank you in advance

I had a similar concern with the Basic 3 supplement after noting that the new packaging included the claim "Helps Maintain Blood Sugar Levels Already Within the Normal Range". As I was attempting to lower my blood sugar levels through diet alone, I was unsure whether this supplement would be acting to "resist" my efforts. I sent email to the Atkins site then, a week later, called them.

Unfortunately, I got no response to either communication. I can understand their reluctance to provide medical advice at a distance, but I saw no alternative to discontinuing use of the product in the absence of some guidence from the manufacturer.

I have replaced this supplement with a standard multivitamin supplement. After the second week of Induction, my peak blood glucose levels were reduced to less than half of my pre-diet levels. At my 6th week I had new bloods drawn, and my BG results were completely normal (although I did have a substantial LDL rise, associated with rapid weight loss.) My triglycerides were also down by nearly 35%...only 10% above normal...for the first time in 10 years.

So, I'm very pleased with the results of the diet...but not too confident that the Basic 3 supplement is a good idea for me.

Peapod, I'm not convinced you should be worried at all. I know of vanadium from reading Lyle MacDonald's info on the CKD - it was one of the supplements originally suggested for Body Opus, a similar ketogenic diet by Dan Duchaine. Vanadium has since been dropped from the list of supplements because it's just not as efficient as other's out there - in particular, ALA (Alpha Liopic Acid). I've been taking ALA for over a year (between 250 - 500g) and I have normal blood sugar, although I had a history of reactive hypoglyceamia - and it's far more powerful than vanadium.

From what I have gathered, normal BP can range from between 90/60 to 130/80. If 105/67 is what you get consistently, chances are this is normal for you. Now a signficant drop from that would be a signal to see your doctor.

Nat

thanks for your responses