Molybdenum
MOLYBDENUM has long been recognized as an essential element for plant growth. In 1778, a Swedish scientist recognized molybdenite as a new element of a distinct ore, but it was not until 1782 that it was obtained by reducing the oxide with carbon. It was then called molybdenum from the Greek word molybdos, meaning lead. By 1953, it was discovered to be an integral part of the essential enzyme xanthine dehydrogenase.
Molybenum is an essential ultra-trace mineral that aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, nitrogen, and copper. It is a constituent of enzymes involved in the metabolism of sulfur and purines and in the transfer of electrons for the oxidation/reduction process. It is rapidly absorbed from the GI tract and excreted mainly in the kidneys. As an antagonist to copper, molybdenum toxicity is similar to that of a copper deficiency.
Molybdenum is found in all body tissues, but predominately in the liver, kidneys, brain, lungs, spleen, bones, and skin, but yet, it is not a plentiful trace element. It is a component of the enzymes xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, sulfite oxidase, and nitrate reductase. Xanthine oxidase is associated with the formation of uric acid, but also assists in transforming iron from ferrous to ferric. Molybdenum has the ability to convert such purines, as caffeine, to uric acid, and, by taking more than 10 mg. per day, it can progress to gout or kidney stones, complete with joint pain. Aldehyde oxidase is necessary for the oxidation of fats. Sulfite oxidase acts to counteract the toxic effects of such hazardous substances as sulfites used in food preservation. The bisulfate form of this pollutant destroys B1 (thiamin) unless preserved by molybdenum.
In foodstuffs, molybdenum can be found in hard tap water, milk, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, but content is totally dependent on how much is available in the soil. Usually, there is no need for supplementation unless all of your food comes from nutrient-deficient soil. The refining of foods, some preservatives, drugs, and high intakes of sulfur can deplete the body's stores of molybdenum.
Deficiencies have been difficult to establish, but there is an inherited autosomal recessive metabolic disease that results from a deficiency of molybdopterin, a cofactor required for the synthesis of certain enzymes. This deficiency causes severe neurological abnormalities, mental retardation, and dislocation of the ocular lenses. There is also a link between esophogeal cancer in those deficient in molybdenum. RDA of 75-250 mg. is easily obtained in the diet.
Names include: Mb, element 42.
Deficiency symptoms include: anemia, fatigue, decreased urine formation, increased fatty acid oxidation, reduced life expectancy, tachycardia (increased heart rate), visual problems, male impotence, mouth and gum disorders, and cancer.
Toxicity symptoms include: copper deficiency, gout, bone disease, diarrhea, anemia, decreased growth.
Inhibitors include: tungsten and excess copper. Heat and moisture change its action.
There are no known helpers.
