Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential trace element that is an activator of specific enzymes such as: xanthine oxidase (catalyses formation of uric acid), sulphite oxidase (catalyses oxidation of sulphite to sulphate), and aldehyde dehydrogenase (catalyses oxidation of aldehydes).
Possible effects or symptoms consistent with Mo deficiency are: subnormal uric acid in blood and urine, sensitivity or reactivity to sulphites, protein intolerance (specifically to sulphur-bearing amino acids), and sensitivity or reactivity to aldehydes.
Molybdenum (Mo) deficiency has been linked to gout. Low levels in heavy meat eaters reflect digestive disorder, the need for digestive enzymes and dietary changes. Such patients should avoid pork, beef, wholegrain and rather eat poultry, fish and other lighter proteins.
Vegetarians should take molybdenum with B vitamins which aid the absorption of molybdenum. Dietary molybdenum is readily absorbed by the intestine and is excreted in the urine and bile.
Excess intake of copper, zinc and sulphates can depress Molybdenum (Mo) uptake, causing disturbances in the uric acid cycle. Sources include wholegrains, legumes, leafy veges and organ meats. Deficiency of Molybdenum is one of the commonest abnormalities seen on a hair mineral analysis. Although a low result may indicate dietary deficiency or intestinal malabsorption, it may simply reflect the fact that Australian soils are often deficient in this mineral and hence our food supply is likewise deficient. Molybdenum competes with copper for absorption; therefore if copper levels or copper stores are high, molybdenum levels are invariably low. This is reflected in the copper/molybdenum ratio, which is normally 650:1. Levels above 850:1 usually indicate copper accumulation in extracellular tissues. The DMSA Challenge test will provide confirmation if this is occurring in your case. Low Molybdenum (Mo) in hair is a possible indication of Molybdenum (Mo) deficiency. Hair is very rarely contaminated with exogenous Molybdenum (Mo).
True Molybdenum (Mo) deficiency is uncommon but may result from: a poor-quality diet, gastrointestinal dysfunctions, or tungsten exposure. Tungsten can be a powerful antagonist of Molybdenum (Mo) retention in the body. Copper overload can also reduce Molybdenum (Mo) retention. Because normal blood and blood cell Mo levels are very low (a few parts per billion), blood measurement is not an appropriate tissue for confirmation of subnormal molybdenum.
Sources Of Molybdenum
| Animal Products -meats - | pork, lamb, beef liver | |
| Nuts/seeds - | sunflower seeds | |
| Vegetables - | soybeans, lima beans, lentils, peas | |
| Grains - | buckwheat, oats, barley, wheat germ, sorghum | |
| Occupational sources - | working around metal fumes. Molybdenum is used to make stainless steel, photographic chemicals, lubricants, pigments and reagents | |
Metabolism
- In the blood, molybdenum is most commonly found in a complex with copper.
- Molybdenum concentrates in the liver, kidney, bone and significant amounts are found in the dental enamel and hair.
- The main route of excretion is through the kidneys.
Roles In The Body
- Molybdenum is an ultra-trace mineral.
- Molybdenum is required for xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the formation of uric acid.
- In animals, another enzyme, aldehyde oxidase, also requires molybdenum. This enzyme is involved in detoxification.
- Molybdenum has been shown in animals to be involved with fat, purine and sulfate metabolism.
- It is also involved in detoxification and
intimately involved in copper metabolism.
Synergetic Nutrients
- Molybdenum is considered to be synergistic with iron and sulfur.
- Molybdenum also raises sodium levels and is synergistic with vitamins B1 and B3 (xanthine oxidase).
Antagonistic Nutrients
- Molybdenum is a powerful copper antagonist. Most copper antagonists such as zinc displace copper. A unique property of molybdenum is that it binds or complexes directly with copper and facilitates its removal. This enables copper to be removed from the body without the common side effects that often occur with copper removal.
- Another reason for this action is that molybdenum raises sodium, offsetting the sodium-lowering effect that occurs when copper is eliminated.
- Molybdenum absorption is antagonized by copper, sulfur, methionine and a high-protein diet.
- Molybdenum metabolism is antagonized by manganese, zinc and at times sulfur.
Molybdenum (Mo)
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