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minerals (nutrition)
molybdenum (Mo)
Nutrition
definition
Molybdenum:
» overview:
A trace mineral that is an essential part of xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase
» metabolism:
Molybdenum is readily absorbed (90%) in the stomach and also the small intestine from dietary sources.
» Chinese:
Tonifies the Xue (Blood); nourishes Yin; cools the Xue (Blood); clears Heat; generates Fluids.
» function:
Involved with iron, copper and sulfur metabolism in the body.
Molybdenum functions as a co-factor for oxidation-reduction reactions. The enzymes involved are xanthine oxidase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, and sulfite oxidase.
Sulfite oxidase is an important enzyme for the degradation of amino acids cysteine methionine. A genetic disorder involving a deficiency of sulfite oxidase is a fatal disorder of cysteine metabolism which results in severe brain damage, mental retardation, dislocation of ocular lenses and increased urinary output of sulfate. It is also responsible for the inactivation of sulfite ions which may be involved with asthma.
Xanthene oxidase is an enzyme found in several tissues including the liver, intestine, spleen, kidney and others. It is also found in milk. It is responsible for the terminal oxidation of purines so that they may be excreted as uric acid.
Aldehyde oxidase is found in the liver. It can substitute for many of the same substrates as xanthine oxidase. This enzyme is responsible for the detoxification of alcohol: detoxification.
Aids in oxidation of fats and aldehydes
Aids in mobilization of iron from liver reserves
» requirements:
Estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake (ESADDI):: 75-250 µg per day.
Average intake in the U.S.: 75-110 µg per day.
» food sources:
Molybdenum is found in the germ of grains and legumes.
Legumes, whole-grain cereals, milk, kidney, liver, dark-green vegetables
Best Food Sources of Molybenum:
Food Amount mg .
Lentils, cooked 1 cup 310
Split peas. cooked 1 cup 260
Green peas 1 cup 170
RIce, brown 1 cup 150
Spinach 1/2 cup 90
Potato 1 med 60
Oats, raw 1 cup 43
Cantaloupe 1/2 med 43
Wheat, whole 1 cup 36
Corn 1/2 cup 36
Rye bread 2 slices 25
Wheat bread, whole 2 slices 25
Apricot 3 raw 15
Brewer's yeast 1 Tbsp 10
Wheat germ 1 Tbsp 10
Garlic 2 cloves 8
Molasses 2 Tbsp 8
Raisins 1/2 cup 8
(USDA: Composition of Foods. USDA Handbook # 8. Washington DC, ARS, USDA, 1976-1986)
» deficiency:
Molybdenum deficiency is very rare and may be related to a genetic defect such as sulfite oxidase deficiency. It has also been known to become deficient during long-term TPNTPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) or Totally Poor Nutrition). (Marz, p. 153, 1997)
» therapeutics:
General note: Molybdenum may be useful in the treatment of certain cardiovascular conditions, asthma, allergies and mercury toxicity. Because of its involvement with sulfur, it may be warranted to use in asthma associated with sulfite sensitivity. It may be wise to balance molybdenum intake with copper supplements.
Asthma: 50-500 µg per day orally or 250-500 µg IV: This is especially effective for sulfite sensitivity. Sulfites in foods can trigger many allergic reactions. They were finally banned for use on produce in 1986. At that time the FDA also required other beverages containing sulfites, such as wine, beer and dried fruit to have warning labels.
Cancer prevention: It has been found that areas with the lowest levels of molybdenum have the highest rate of cancer, especially esophageal cancer. In China esophageal cancer was also linked to lowest levels of molybenum.
Dental caries prevention: In several population studies it has been found that areas that have the highest molybenum intake have the lowest rate of tooth decay. By the same token, areas where molybenum intake is the lowest have the highest rate of tooth decay. One study has shown that when molybdenum was added to a fluoride treatment, the treatment was more effective than fluoride alone.
Esophageal cancer
Hypouricemia
Impotence
Premature aging
Rheumatism: Molybdenum may help with various types of muscle neuralgia.
Wilsons syndrome: Etrathiomolybdate is the form used to bring down copper levels. This should be taken in conjunction with zinc.
» dosage:
Maintenance dose: 50 mcg per day
Therapeutic dose: 0.1-1 mg per day; see toxicity
» toxicity:
Signs and symptoms of toxicity include: diarrhea, anemia, depressed growth rate.
500 µg per day may result in impaired copper status because molybdenum increases excretion of copper. Thus it may be important to give copper supplements.
High levels: 10-15 mg per day, may precipitate gout by raising uric acid levels.
footnotes
Kirschmann and Dunne, pp. 81-82
Marz, Russell. Medical Nutrition From Marz. Second Edition. Portland, OR. 1997.
USDA: Composition of Foods. USDA Handbook #8. Washington DC, ARS, USDA, 1976-1986.