| Home > Site Map > Recommendations > M > Molybdenum |
| Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral and may be useful in the treatment of certain cardiovascular conditions, asthma, allergies and mercury toxicity. Xanthine oxidase helps in the production of uric acid, an end product of protein (purine) metabolism. Aldehyde oxidase helps in the oxidation of carbohydrates and other aldehydes, including acetaldehyde produced from ethyl alcohol. Source Molybdenum is a trace mineral. Found sparingly in the earth's crust, it is concentrated in milk and milk products, dried legumes, organ meats (liver, kidney) and some cereals. The amount of molybdenum in plant foods varies significantly and is dependent upon the mineral content of the soil. The best sources of this mineral are beans, dark green leafy vegetables, and grains. Hard tap water can also supply molybdenum to the diet. Molybdeum is also available as a supplement. Even the uses suggested in some nutritional texts are under question and require more research. In the soil and possibly in the body, as the enzyme nitrate reductase, molybdenum can reduce the production or counteract the actions of nitrosamines, known cancer-causing chemicals, especially in the colon. Found more in molybdenum-deficient soils, nitrosamines have been associated with high rates of esophageal cancer. There are few research findings to suggest that molybdenum may play a role in preventing cancer and definitely none to suppport its use in cancer treatment. Both vitamin C, which helps detoxify nitrosamine, and nitrate reductase, which needs molybdenum to function, can help reduce the levels of this carcinogenic chemical as it has done for the Chinese esophageal cancer rates secondary to low soil molybdenum. The suggestions that it protects the teeth from dental caries and that it prevents sexual impotence are not yet supported by definitive research. Sulfites in the urine are indicative of molybdenum need. Directions Since molybdenum inhibits the intestinal absorption of copper and iron, it may be wise to balance molybdenum supplementation with copper supplements. No official USRDA exists for molybdenum, as true deficiencies are rare. |
| Anemia (Iron deficiency) Asthma Sulfite Sensitivity Uric Acid Levels Low |