The following excerpt is from the book Mineral and Trace
Element Analysis, Laboratory and Clinical Application by E. Blaurock-Busch Ph.D. and
Veronica Griffin Ph.D. The book provides easy-to-read information about diagnostic
procedures pertaining to mineral analysis. This reference manual is available through TMI.
US $40 plus shipping.
Molybdenum (Mo)
Molybdenum is essential for plants and serves as a cofactor
for the enzyme xanthine and aldehyde oxidases.
Medical research states that this catalyst is possibly
anticarcinogenic. The states of Colorado and Ohio have soils particularly rich in
molybdenum, and report the lowest incidences of cancer of the esophagus. This type of
cancer is particularly widespread in South Africa (Transkei region), which has very low
molybdenum concentration. The same applies for regions that are poor in molybdenum.
- Low molybdenum levels have been associated with impotency
- Molybdenum poisoning is virtually unknown.
- Excessive dietary intake of grains, seeds, and legumes rich
in molybdenum can cause deposits in soft tissues and joints, and trigger arthritic
symptoms. Other symptoms include gout, severe diarrhea, growth depression, and anemia
(typical symptoms of copper deficiency).
- Molybdenum is important for uric acid metabolism.
Required Daily Amount (in mg)
| Infants |
0-5 months |
0.03-0.06 |
| |
5-12 mo. |
0.04-0.08 |
| Children |
1-3 yr. |
0.05-0.10 |
| |
4-6 |
0.06-0.15 |
| |
7-10 |
0.10-0.3 |
| |
11+ |
0.15-0.5 |
| Adults |
|
0.15-0.5 |
Sources: Liver and kidney are good
meat sources. Good plant sources are legumes, wheat germ, and leafy vegetables.
Molybdenum content of foods (mg/ I00g)
| Plant foods |
|
Animal foods |
|
| Legumes |
30-190 |
Organ meats |
20-100 |
| Wheat germ |
67-134 |
Eggs |
21-84 |
| Brewers yeast |
85-133 |
Chicken |
15-60 |
| Vegetables |
4-90 |
Meat |
7-45 |
| Cereals |
17-78 |
Fish |
3-10 |
| Potatoes |
3-60 |
Cheese |
3.5 -5 |
| Corn |
19-58 |
Whole milk |
1-4 |
| Pasta |
46-50 |
Peanuts, Coconut |
25 |
| Rice (whole) |
47 |
Fruit, Berries |
0.15-9 |
Absorption and excretion:
Dietary molybdenum is readily absorbed by the intestine and
is excreted via urine and bile.
Laboratory analysis:
Significance of blood molybdenum levels:
Relatively low concentrations of molybdenum are found in
serum and whole blood. Therefore, mass spectroscopy is well suited for the determination
of molybdenum since the detection limits are much lower than more traditional methods.
- Drinking Water: no EPA recommendations are available.
Symptoms associated with elevated molybdenum levels:
- Copper deficiency
- Anemia
- Gout
Symptoms associated with molybdenum deficiency:
- Reduced resistance against cancer
- Impotence
- Uric acid accumulation (gout)
- Defects in the metabolism of sulfur amino acids
- Dental caries
- Susceptibility to asthma
Therapeutic consideration:
Check urinary excretion
Support liver and intestinal function
Research:
Molybdenum may play a role in the prevention of
carcinogenesis of cells. Chung Hua Chung Liu Tsa Chi.
Effect of molybdenum on the alkylation of DNA in the liver of rats treated with
14C-diethylnitrosamine. 1987.
Molybdenum may reduce sulfite sensitivity. Papaoiannou R. Pfeiffer CC. Sulfite sensitivity- unrecognized
threat: Is molybdenum the cause? J Orthom Psych 13(2):105-110. 1984
Bibliography:
Doisy, EA, Jr: Effect of deficiency in manganese upon plasma levels of clotting
proteins in man. In Huek-stra, WG, Suttie, HE, Gantber, HE, and Mertz, W, editors: Trace
elements in animals. ed 2, Baltimore. 1974. University Park Press.
Paige. DM. editor: Manual of clinical nutrition, Pleasantville, NJ. 1983, Nutrition
Publications, Inc.