Molybdenum is the 54th most abundant element in the Earth's crust and the 25th most abundant element in its oceans. It is a silvery-grey metal with a high melting point of over 2600 deg C and sits between steel and titanium for hardness. Molybdenum is found in the liver, kidney and bone and is also found in trace amounts in tooth enamel.
Functions of Molybdenum
Molybdenum is a co-factor in the activity of four enzymes in humans:
- Sulphite oxidase necessary for the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids
- Xanthine oxidase, which forms uric acid
- Aldehyde oxidase, which regulates metabolism of drugs and toxins in the body thus helps fight cancer causing nitrosamines
- Mitochondrial amidoxime, which is involved in protecting cellular DNA during replication[1]
| Signs | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Rapid heart | Night blindness |
| Rapid respiratory rate | Headaches |
| Mouth and gum disorders | Increase urinary excretion of sulphite |
| Sexual impotence in older males |
References
- Krompholz N et all, 2012 " The mitochondrial Amidoxime Reducing Component (mARC) is involved in detoxification of N-hydroxylated base analogues" Nov 19;25(11):2443-50 Chem Res Toxicol.