A systematic review of the effects of vanadium exposure on the health of human populations.

BACKGROUND

Vanadium is a metal naturally occurring in various ecosystems. Both natural and anthropogenic sources contribute to high concentrations in the air, soil, and water. Several experimental and epidemiological studies have linked this exposure to multiple adverse health effects.

OBJECTIVE

To analytically synthesize the available evidence to establish the effects of vanadium exposure on human health and to determine whether this metal is an epidemiological risk.

METHODS

The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID CRD42023447293). A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 methodology. A search for cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies was performed in six databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, LILACS, Web of Science, SciELO) up to May 5, 2025. The search terms used were: "human, vanadium, pollution, exposure, diseases, damage".

RESULTS

8,397 articles were identified, of which 27 were ultimately selected. The prevalent adverse effects reported were on pregnancy, fetal development, reproductive health, and the cardiovascular system, in addition to findings in different organs.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence regarding the effects of vanadium in human populations is limited; nevertheless, the available reports substantiate its potential harmful effects on fetal development and various human systems. The oxidation state and concentration of vanadium are determining factors in these effects, and controversy persists regarding its etiological role in certain pathologies.