MOLYBDENUM

Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral. It is involved in uric acid metabolism. The absorption rate of molybdenum is very good. Adults can absorb 40% to 100% of dietary molybdenum whereas infants absorb almost all the molybdenum from breast milk or formula.

Why is Molybdenum essential for the body?

Molybdenum acts as a cofactor in activating 4 enzymes. These enzymes are necessary for:

• Breaking down aldehydes that are toxic to the body.
• Breaking down of alcohol and drugs in the liver.
• Converting xanthine to uric acid.
• Removing toxic byproducts and waste products of metabolism from the body.

What are the signs and symptoms of Molybdenum deficiency?

Molybdenum deficiency is rare in humans. It can occur in people with a genetic mutation that prevents the synthesis of molybdopterin. This rare metabolic disorder is known as molybdenum cofactor deficiency. The manifestation leads to encephalopathy and seizures and severe neurological damage that may lead to death within days after birth.

Molybdenum deficiency is also observed in patients on total parenteral nutrition that is devoid of molybdenum. The signs are:

• Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
• Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate)
• Headache
• Night blindness
• Coma

What is the daily requirement of Molybdenum?

The recommended dietary intake for molybdenum as per the guidelines of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is 45 µg/day.

What are the food sources of molybdenum?

The richest sources of molybdenum are legumes. Other foods high in this mineral are whole grains, nuts, milk, and beef liver.

Can high amounts of molybdenum lead to toxicity?

Acute molybdenum toxicity is rare, but it can occur in people working in industrial mining and those who have exposure to the metal at work.
In healthy people, consumption of a diet rich in molybdenum usually does not pose a health risk because the excess molybdenum is rapidly excreted in the urine.

• High molybdenum and low copper intake can lead to bone disorders and genu valgum (knock-knee).
• There are some reports of high consumption of molybdenum (more than 15 mg/day) leading to gout-like symptoms and abnormal uric acid levels in the blood.