Molybdenum

Molybdenum is essential as a component of several enzymes, including aldehyde oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and sulfite oxidase. These enzymes are involved in alcohol detoxification, uric acid formation, and detoxification of sulfites, respectively. Xanthine oxidase is also important in converting iron from the ferrous to the ferric form, making molybdenum, like copper, necessary in iron metabolism.

Molybdenum has gained notice as a likely protector against cancer of the esophagus. A region of China where this type of cancer is most common also has molybdenum-deficient soil and water. Since this mineral was added to the soil and Vitamin C supplements were introduced, the number of cancer cases has decreased. In molybdenum-deficient soil, the nitrates in the soil turn to carcinogenic substances. Vitamin C can reduce the carcinogenic effects of these substances.

Molybdenum can interfere with copper absorption because the two minerals compete for similar absorption sites in the intestines. Zinc and molybdenum help to excrete copper which keeps molybdenum and copper levels in balance. These minerals are used in the treatment of WilsonÕs disease, a genetic disorder that results in an increased level of copper in soft tissues and can lead to irreversible kidney, liver and brain damage.

Molybdenum is sensitive to certain forms of sulfur released from amino acids, which can affect the mineral’s concentration in tissue. An increase in sulfur intake causes a decline in molybdenum. Low levels of molybdenum may lead to increased allergic reactions to sulfites.¹

A deficiency in molybdenum has also been linked to tooth decay and cavities. Where intake has been found in low levels, the cavity rate has been higher; and conversely, where it is higher the cavity rate is lower. Molybdenum might enhance the effect of fluoride because the combine administration of molybdenum and fluoride is more effective in lowering dental cavities than water containing only fluoride.

1 Golan, Optimal Wellness, 337.

• Beans
• Cereal grains
• Dark green, leafy vegetables
• Legumes
• Organ meats (liver, kidney, sweetbreads)
• Peas and other legumes
• Whole grains

NOTE: Dietary concentration of molybdenum may vary according to status of soil in which grains and vegetables are raised.

Available as:

• Capsules: Swallow whole with full glass of liquid. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• A constituent of many multivitamin/mineral preparations.
• Sodium molybdate, etrathiomolybdate (used in treatment for Wilson's disease), as well as chelated forms.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

PROVEN BENEFITS:

• Promotes normal growth and development.
• Promotes normal cell function.
• Is a component of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in converting nucleic acid to uric acid, a waste product eliminated in the urine.

What this mineral does:

• Becomes a part of bones, liver, kidney.
• Forms part of the enzyme system of xanthine oxidase.
• Involved with enzymes in alcohol detoxification, making uric acid, and sulfur metabolism.¹

  1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS:

• Protects against cancer.
• Protects teeth.
• Prevents anemia by mobilizing iron.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

• Anyone with inadequate caloric or nutritional dietary intake or increased nutritional requirements.
• People with recent severe burns or injuries.
• Extremely ill people who must be fed intravenously or by naso-gastric tube.

Miscellaneous information:

• Balanced diet provides all the molybdenum that is necessary in a healthy child or adult.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

• None
• Inability to detoxify sulfates may result in sulfite toxicity. Symptoms include increased heart rate, shortness of breath, headache, confusion, nausea, and vomiting.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Night blindness
• Irritability¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY

• Urinary sulfates/sulfites.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

Optimal Levels

• 75-250 mg

Minimum Dosage

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):

No RDA has been established. Estimated safe intake given below:

Don't take if you:

• No absolute contraindications to 0.15 to 0.5mg/day. Don't take higher doses without doctor's prescription.

Consult your doctor if you have:

• High levels of uric acid.
• Gout.

Pregnancy:

• Don't take.

Breast feeding:

• Don't take.

Effect on lab tests:

• Excess molybdenum causes serum copper to drop.

Storage:

• Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't freeze.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change action of mineral.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

OVERDOSE/TOXICITY

Signs and symptoms:

• Gout can be produced by massive intake (10 to 15mg/daily). Moderate excess (up to 0.54 mg/day) can cause excess loss of copper in urine.
• Possible Consequences of Overdose:
• Daily intake of 10 to 15mg of molybdenum has been associated with a gout-like syndrome. A moderate excess of 0.54mg/daily may be associated with significant urinary loss of copper.

What to do:

• For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue mineral, and consult doctor.
• For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire bottle): Call emergency services, the telephone operator or your nearest Poison Control Center.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

• None expected¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

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