Molybdenum - what is it?
Molybdenum, New RDA* 50 µg
It is considered a trace element because of the relatively minute quantity that is essential in the diet. No clinical deficiency has been recognized due to its more than adequate presence in the average diet.
Molybdenum is thought to be an antioxidant and helps your body to break down harmful substances, which are used to preserve food.
It is an essential component of enzyme systems.
Molybdenum does not exist naturally in the metallic state, but occurs in association with other elements. The predominant form of molybdenum occurring in soil and natural waters is the molybdate anion, MoO4 -2.
*Sourced from EFSA WEBSITE
Molybdenum - what does it do?
It helps make and activate some of the enzymes involved in repairing and making genetic material.
The basis of the importance of molybdenum is in its role in metalloenzymes. All of the molybdoenzymes are oxidoreductases, which exploit the variable valency states of molybdenum. The molybdenum in molybdoenzymes is inserted as part of a prosthetic group, known as the ‘molybdenum cofactor’. In humans, xanthine oxidase and sulphite oxidase are important molybdoenzymes.
Deficiency
Molybdenum deficiency has not been identified in free-living human or animal species. It has, however, been identified in a single subject receiving total parenteral nutrition and can be achieved in animal studies. In goats, a molybdenum deficient diet was associated with reduced fertility and increased mortality in both the mothers and the offspring. In a rare inherited metabolic disorder, molybdenum deficiency is associated with genetic deficiency of the molybdenum pterin cofactors. Neurological disorders, abnormal urinary metabolites, dislocated ocular lenses and failure to thrive are observed. The disorder is fatal by the age of 2-3 years.
Molybdenum - Sources
Foods particularly high in molybdenum include nuts, tinned vegetables, and cereals such as oats.
