What is Molybdenum?

Molybdenum’s name is derived from the Greek word “Molybdos” meaning “lead like.” It is a trace mineral with a number of very important functions in the human body. The body contains approximately 7mg of molybdenum.

Approximately 90% of Molybdenum is well absorbed through the stomach and small intestine and deficiency leads to storage in the body and any excess is excreted.

Why is Molybdenum important and what does it do in the body?

Molybdenum is a vitally important trace mineral present in a number of enzymes involved in alcohol detoxification, uric acid formation and the detoxification of sulfites by enhancing the use of sulfite. Sensitivities to sulfites, commonly manifest as asthma, oedema, shortness of breath and possible anaphylaxis. These may all be caused by molybdenum deficiency. Molybdenum also facilitates the excretion of excess copper. A form of molybdenum, Tetrathiomolybdate (TTM) is commonly used to help individuals with Wilson’s disease where there is an issue with excretion of copper leading to copper being deposited in their organs and joints. Molybdenum may also help with certain cancers.

What amount of Molybdenum do you need each day?

Dosages of molybdenum commonly range between 200 and 500 micrograms daily. Higher dosages for individuals with Wilson’s disease must be recommended by a health care professional.

The DRI (Daily Recommended Intake) /RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of dietary Molybdenum are listed on the next page:

Please Note: By definition, the DRI/RDA recommendations apply only to 98% of healthy individuals and are not sufficient for those with higher nutrient requirements based upon their biochemical individuality, genetics, health status, medications, deficiencies, lifestyle, and toxic exposures.

The minimum daily recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for molybdenum in micrograms, are listed on the next page.

Molybdenum

MoElement

Adult

� 11 years and older: 75 -250 mcg

Pediatric

� Infants under 6 months: 15-30 mcg� Infants 6-12 months: 20-40 mcg� Children 1 – 3 years : 25-50 mcg� Children 4 – 6 years: 30-75 mcg� Children 7-10 years: 50-150 mcg

RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCE: none establishedOPTIMAL DAILY ALLOWANCE: 250mcg/Day

What are possible Molybdenum deficiency conditions and symptoms?

� Anaphylaxis

� Anemia

� Asthma

� Cancer especially esophageal cancer

� Edema (Water Retention)

� Impotence in older males

� Liver impairment

� Mouth and gum disorders

� Esophageal cancer

� Osteoporosis

� Poor bone growth

� Sexual impotence (male)

� Sulfite sensitivity

� Dental decay

� Wilson’s disease

What are possible Molybdenum excess symptoms?Toxic effects of excessive molybdenum levels are rare. High doses may lead to an increased risk of gout due to the role played by molybdenum in the production of uric acid.

What steals Molybdenum from the body?Apart from known interactions with aldehydes, arsenic, tungsten, sulfite and sulfate, copper and fluoride there are no other known interactions. Excessive sweating.

What tests can be used to assess Molybdenum levels?� Red blood cell and plasma molybdenum levels

(Poor accuracy)

� Decreased levels of urinary Sulfate and Uric acid and elevated levels of Sulfite, Xanthine and hypoxanthine

NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Lima Beans 87mcg/100g

2. Small white beans 45mcg/100g

3. Pumpkin Seeds 42mcg/100g

4. Kale 38mcg/100g

5. Brown rice 35mcg/100g

6. Cashew Nuts 30mcg/100g

7. Sunflower Seeds 28mcg/100g

8. Watercress 22mcg/100g

9. Garlic (raw bulb) 15mcg

10. Egg Yolk 14mcg

TOP 10 MOLYBDENUM RICH FOODS ARE:

What foods contain the highest amounts of Molybdenum?

What are the very best Molybdenum products to purchase?The most bio-available forms of Molybdenum are molybdenum chelate or sodium molybdenate

REFERENCES

Murray. T. Michael. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. 1996.

Holford. Patrick. The Optimum Nutrition Bible. 2012

Baker. Sidney. M.D, Pangborn. Jon. Autism effective Biomedical Treatments 2005

Lord. S. Richard, Bralley. J. Alexander, Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine 2nd Ed 2008

Shannon, Michael. Dr. Complete Nutrition

Murray. T. Michael. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements

Laake. Dana Nutrient Chart (not published)

Groff. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism 5th 2009

Gibson Principles of Nutritional Assessment 2nd Ed. 2007

Clinical Nutrition: A functional Approach 2nd Ed. IFM 2004

Harpers review of Biochemistry. Lange Med 26 Ed 2009

Office of Dietary Supplements, NIH Fact sheets 2010

Balch. A. Phyllis CNC Prescription for Nutritional Healing

All the statements, including product labels, supporting literature and/or product manufacturers websites have not been evaluated by FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Molybdenum

What are the very best Molybdenum products to buy?

ProThera MSMBioavailable sulfur source. 750 mg.Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has a demonstrated high level of safety and usefulness as a ready source of dietary sulfur, an important macromineral needed for sulfur-detoxification …

Klaire VitaSpectrumPowdered multiple vitamin/mineral supplement for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Natural berry-pomegranate flavor. This comprehensive multiple vitamin/mineral supplement contains 28 highly bioavailable …

ProThera MultiThera 3Iron- and copper-free multiple formula.Both iron and copper have been eliminated from this version of MultiThera® to address the needs of patients who may have elevated tissue identical in all other respects to MultiThera® 1 …

ProThera MultiThera 2ProThera MultiThera 1Iron-fortified multi-nutrient formula.This versatile, high-potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement is formulated to be the primary dietary supplement for all types of patients. The amounts …

This versatile, high-potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement is formulated to be the primary dietary supplement for all types of patients. The amounts and ratios of nutrients are based on many years of clinical experience …