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MOLYBDENUM |
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| Facts |
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Molybdenum is an essential trace
mineral for both animals and humans. The highest
concentrations of molybdenum are found in the
liver, kidney, adrenal glands and bone.
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Molybdenum is absorbed from the
gastrointestinal tract and is excreted in the
urine.
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| Functions |
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Molybdenum is a component of
a number of enzymes including: sulphite oxidase,
which is involved in the metabolism of sulphur
amino acids; xanthine oxidase, which is involved
in the production of uric acid and aids in mobilising
iron from the liver reserves; and aldehyde oxidase,
which is necessary for the oxidation of fats.1,2
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Molybdenum is a factor in copper
metabolism.1
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Requirements
No Recommended Daily Allowance has been set for Molybdenum.
Signs of Deficiency
According to Nutrition Almanac, a molybdenum deficiency
can occur due to the numerous refining and processing
techniques employed in virtually every area of food
production today. A deficiency can cause male impotence.1
Signs of Toxicity
Symptoms include: diarrhoea, anaemia, reduced growth
rate and gout (reported with intakes at 10 to 15 mg/day).1,2
Current Research
General
Molybdenum
may play a role in the prevention of anaemia. Tooth
enamel also contains this element and, as such, some
studies have found it to play an important role in the
prevention of tooth decay. Some research has also borne
out that intake of this element can decrease rates of
oesophagul cancer.1
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1 Dunne, L.J. Nutrition Almanac, 3rd ed.
McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, 1990:81-82.
2 Serfass R., Turnlund, J. Molybdenum. http:www.nutrition.org/nutinfo/content/moly.shtml.
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