Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral that plays a role in various bodily processes, including the metabolism of iron and the formation of red blood cells. It also acts as a cofactor for enzymes that are important in the metabolism of drugs and toxins. In humans, molybdenum is required in small amounts, and a deficiency is rare. However, an excessive intake of molybdenum can lead to gout-like symptoms and other health problems. It is found in many foods, including legumes, grains, and leafy vegetables, and is also available as a dietary supplement.
Molybdenum is found in a variety of foods, with the highest concentrations found in legumes, grains, and leafy vegetables. Some good dietary sources of molybdenum include:
It’s worth noting that the amount of molybdenum in food can vary depending on the soil, level of mineral depletion at the farms and where it was grown and the processing it underwent.
It is also available as a dietary supplement, usually in the form of molybdenum amino acid chelate, sodium molybdate or ammonium molybdate, but supplementing with synthetic molybdenum is not usually necessary as it is readily available in a wide variety of foods in most people’s diets. It’s always best to take natural molybdenum in ionic form for easy absorption.
Molybdenum deficiency is rare in humans, as the mineral is widely available in a variety of foods. However, certain groups of people may be at a higher risk for deficiency, such as those with chronic kidney disease or those who are on long-term parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding) that does not contain molybdenum.
Symptoms of molybdenum deficiency include:
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors and a deficiency of molybdenum should be confirmed by a healthcare professional before taking any supplement.
Severe molybdenum deficiency can lead to severe neurological symptoms, including seizures and death, although these symptoms are very rare as molybdenum deficiency is extremely rare.
Molybdenum toxicity, also known as molybdenosis, is extremely rare as the mineral is widely available in a variety of foods and the human body only requires a small amount of it. However, excessive intake of molybdenum, usually through synthetic supplements over a prolonged period of time, can lead to toxicity.
Effects of Molybdenum Toxicity:
Molybdenum plays an important role in enzyme function, as it acts as a cofactor for a group of enzymes called molybdenum cofactor (Moco) enzymes. These enzymes are involved in a variety of metabolic processes in the body, including the metabolism of drugs and toxins, the formation of uric acid, and the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids.
Some examples of Moco enzymes are:
Moco enzymes are essential for the normal functioning of the body, and a deficiency in molybdenum can lead to a dysfunction in one or more of these enzymes. This can cause various health problems, such as anemia, tooth decay, sulfite sensitivity, and impaired growth in children.
It’s also worth noting that molybdenum is essential for the activity of the enzyme Nitrogenase, which is responsible for the fixation of nitrogen in certain bacteria and plants, this process is fundamental for the production of nitrogen-based fertilizers.
In summary, molybdenum is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in enzyme function, specifically as a cofactor for Moco enzymes, which are involved in various metabolic processes in the body. A deficiency in molybdenum can lead to various health problems, while toxicity is rare, and usually caused by excessive intake over a prolonged period of time.
Molybdenum has a relationship with a number of other essential nutrients, specifically with sulfur, copper and vitamin B12.
It is also worth noting that molybdenum can interact with other minerals, such as tungsten, which can affect the activity of molybdenum-dependent enzymes.
In summary, Molybdenum has an interdependent relationship with a number of other essential nutrients, specifically sulfur, copper and vitamin B12, and a deficiency in molybdenum can lead to a dysfunction in the metabolism of these essential nutrients and cause various health problems. It’s important to have a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods to ensure that you are getting enough of all essential nutrients.
Molybdenum has a number of medical uses, most of which are related to its role as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the metabolism of drugs and toxins. Some of the medical uses of molybdenum include:
Future research on molybdenum and health is likely to focus on understanding the mechanisms by which molybdenum affects various metabolic processes in the body, and on identifying new medical uses for molybdenum. Some potential areas of research include:
Overall, molybdenum is an essential trace mineral that has a number of important roles in the body, and future research is likely to reveal new insights into the mechanisms by which molybdenum affects health and new medical uses for this mineral.
StamiLyte has around 0.001 milligrams per litre natural ionic Molybdenum per serving (5ml in 500ml water) which equates to 1 microgram per litre per serving.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for molybdenum is the average daily intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all healthy individuals. The RDA for molybdenum varies depending on age and gender. The following are the RDAs for molybdenum set by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States:
It’s worth noting that these RDAs are based on the average requirements of healthy individuals, and that some individuals may require more or less molybdenum depending on their health status and other factors. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine an appropriate intake of molybdenum for your specific needs.
It’s also worth noting that the RDA for molybdenum are based on the average requirement and a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods should be enough to provide the amount of molybdenum needed by the body.
