Molybdenum
Molybdenum is another trace element (micronutrient or small molecule) required to activate various chemical reactions involved in the body’s excretion of metabolic waste (from cell functioning) and certain drugs.
Roles
What does molybdenum do?
Molybdenum plays a role in:
- Eliminating uric acid;
- Ensuring bone growth and strong teeth;
- Metabolizing iron (antianemic factor);
- Preventing erectile dysfunction;
- Preventing esophageal tumors;
- Preventing cavities.
Needs
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for molybdenum is expressed in µg/day.
| Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) | ||
| Age | µg/Day | |
| Infants | 0 to 6 months | 2µg* |
| 6 to 12 months | 3µg* | |
| Children | 1 to 3 years | 13µg |
| 4 to 8 years | 17µg | |
| Preteens | 9 to 13 years | 26µg |
| Teens | 14 to 18 years | 33µg |
| Adults | Age 19 and up | 34µg |
| Pregnant women | | 40µg |
| Nursing mothers | | 36µg |
Source: DRI, Dietary Reference Intakes, 2006, p. 356.
*(AI) = Adequate intake for those two age groups.
Sources
The amount of molybdenum in foods of plant origin depends on the composition of the soil in which these foods were grown. Legumes, grain products, and nuts contribute the most to dietary intake of molybdenum. Foods of animal origin, fruits, and most vegetables contain a small amount of molybdenum.
Food Sources for Molybdenum:
| Animal and vegetal food's origin |
| 20 to 90µg of molybdenum for a 100g portion |
| Breads |
| Whole grain cereals |
| Offal |
| Leafy green vegetables |
| Legumes |
| Beans |
| Garlic |
| Walnuts |
| Celariac |
Source: Dietary Reference Intakes, 2006, p.359.
Deficiency
- No molybdenum deficiency has been observed in healthy individuals;
- A rare deficit may occur in people who receive intravenous feeding.
Signs of molybdenum deficiency:
- Palpitations;
- Headaches;
- Ocular disease;
- Mental disorders;
- Sexual impotence;
- Gum and tooth disorders;
- Irritability;
- Gout.
Indications
Benefits of molybdenum:
- Effective against certain types of migraines, by eliminating sulfites (possible);
- Helps prevent anemia (possible);
- Helps prevent gout (uncertain).
Adverse effects
Excess molybdenum is only slightly toxic to humans as it is rapidly excreted in the urine.
Signs of excess molybdenum:
- Muscle disorders.
Molybdenum poisoning can be treated with copper, a molybdenum antagonist.
Cons-indications
- People presenting copper deficiency or any sort of change in copper metabolism leading to deficiency may be more sensitive to molybdenum poisoning;
- People suffering from kidney failure.
Additional information
Speak with your pharmacist if you plan to take molybdenum supplements. Your pharmacist can help you choose the solution that’s best for you based on your health and any drugs you take.
Other names
Molybdenum, Mo