Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral required for human nutrition. It is excreted through urine and is concentrated in maximum quantity in the liver. It is also found in various tissues of the human body such as kidneys, bone, skin and is required for the proper functioning of various enzymes that are involved in the process of catabolism, including the catabolism of purines and sulfur amino acids.
Benefits of the mineral:
Molybdenum is used to decrease the risk of sulfite - reactive asthma attacks.
It helps the body make the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which enables the body to use its iron reserves and enhances the process of burning of fat.
In the absence of molybdenum, the body cannot grow and develop properly.
It is required by the body to carryout the metabolism of fat, carbohydrates, copper and nitrogen.
It is needed by the cells to function properly.
It helps the body fight nitrosamines which are responsible for the development of cancer.
It increases alertness and concentration.
It plays a significant role in the body’s ability to keep blood sugar levels in balance.
It fights dental cavities and tooth decay.
It reduces the symptoms of various allergic reactions.
It helps prevent anemia and helps treat cases of sexual importance.
Functions molybdenum:
It plays an important role in the formation uric acids.
It is involved in urine pathways.
It forms oxides in the human body and is a component of pterin coenzyme essential for the activity of xanthine oxidase, sulphate oxidase and aldehyde oxidase.
Molybdenum is a component of several important biochemical reactions in the body that lead to the detoxification of the liver.
It acts as a cofactor of enzymes that catalyze important chemical transformations in the global carbon nitrogen and sulfur cycles.
Dietary sources of the mineral:
These include beef liver, beans, hard tap water, rice, yeast, kidney, sun flower seeds, grains, legumes, lentils, dark green leafy vegetables, peas etc.
Deficiency:
Deficiency of the nutrient is rare in healthy people but low amounts affect the production of certain enzymes needed by the body. This may lead to the buildup of unwanted substances in the body. Deficiency of molybdenum results in metabolic disorders leading to abnormal excretion of sulfur metabolites, low uric acid concentration and elevated hypothyroxine and xanthine excretions. The absence of sulphide oxidase in metabolic disorders leads to death at an early age. Molybdenum deficiency can result in autoimmune diseases. It can also result in anemia, tooth decay and impotence. A decrease in the amount of urine, reduced oxidation rate of fatty acids, fatigue, cancer, irregular heart beat, poor general health are the outcome of low quantities of the mineral in the body.
Dosage:
There is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for molybdenum, but its safe and adequate daily intake is 150 to 500 mcg per day for all those above 11 years of age.
Overdose and side effects:
Too much molybdenum can result in painfully swollen joints and deplete the body reserves of copper. Excessive intake of the mineral can alter the activity of alkaline phosphatase. If taken in excess of 10 to 15 mg per day it may result in gout like symptoms. Other side effects include toxicity, stunted growth, diarrhea, anemia etc. This is known as molybdenesis.
Supplements:
Molybdenum supplements are available in the form of sodium, molybdate and ammonium molybdate. It is found in a number of combination products including multivitamin and multi mineral formulas.
Before taking any mineral supplements it is essential for you to consult a registered medical practitioner in order to determine if the nutrient is required by your body or not. You must also make note of any of the diseases or ailments you might be suffering from such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, depression, kidney problem, gastro intestinal disease, high cholesterol levels etc. you must also consider your present medical condition before taking the supplement, if you are allergic to any prescription or over the counter (OTC) drugs or have a family history of any ailments before taking any mineral.
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