Molybdenum
Chemical formula/structure
MoS2
Natural Sources of this nutrient in foods
Molybdenum is found in milk, lima beans, spinach, liver, grain,
peas and other dark green leafy vegetables also contain molybdenum.
How it is used by the body
Molybdenum is composed of
three different enzymes, which are involved in the metabolism of nucleic acids,
DNA and RNA iron as well as food into energy. These three enzymes are
sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase. Three molybdenum enzymes have been
described in mammals: (1) Sulfite oxidase catalyzes the terminal step in
oxidative degradation of sulfur-containing amino acids, (2) aldehyde oxidase is
involved in detoxification of very diverse metabolites, and (3) xanthine
oxidase is essential for purine catabolism. Mendel n.p.
Sources: legumes, cereal grains, liver, kidney. Deficiencies are rare in
humans with no known effects. Animals experience slower weight gain and
shortened life. Brody 188
Plants require molybdenum for enzymes that fixate nitrogen.
Molybdenum also helps in the
breaking down of sulfite toxin build-ups in the body, which may prevent
cavities. With these qualities, there might be signs of antioxidant properties
in this nutrient. It helps the body by fighting the nitrosamines, which are
associated with cancer, and may help to prevent anemia. It is needed for normal
cell function and nitrogen metabolism.
Effects if this Nutrient is not present
Deficiencies of molybdenum are identified by
the absence of the three molybdenum enzymes. The deficiency of this element and
the metabolic disorders are accompanied by abnormal excretion of sulfur
metabolites, low uric acid concentrations, and elevated hypoxanthine and
xanthine excretion.
The absences of sulfite oxidase in metabolic disorder can lead
to death at an early age. High rates of esophageal cancer have been reported in
regions where the soil levels of molybdenum are low as well as
vitamin C intake - although this does not clinically prove that molybdenum might be involved
with prevention of certain cancers.
Sources:
Elk Grove Main page MedChem Main page