Molybdenum – A Key Enzyme Activator

Molybdenum is a micromineral that joins with and activates a number of important enzymes in the body. In this article I will be discussing this nutrient in greater detail and providing Cdc Public Health Issues you with a summary of its main functions, the best food sources, the recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and the potentially adverse effects of consuming too much or too little.
1) DISCOVERY:
Until 1778 chemists believed that graphite and the compound molybdenum disulphide were the same material. However, in 1778 Carl Wilhelm Scheele discovered that they were in fact two different materials and that molybdenum disulphide contained a new element. In 1781 the Swedish chemist Peter Jacob Hjelm followed up on this work and became the first person to isolate this new element.
2) FUNCTION:
The main function of molybdenum is to join with and activate various enzymes. It activates ldehyde oxidase (which generates carboxylic acids from aldehydes), sulphate oxidase and xanthine oxidase (which both enhance fat burning and allow the body to use its iron reserves effectively). It also helps the body break down sulphur containing amino acids, assists in the production of uric acid (a waste product found in urine), supports healthy metabolism and helps maintain stable glucose levels. On top of this molybdenum acts in a protective role by fighting dental cavities and tooth decay, preventing cancer, preventing oxygen related damage and preventing anemia (a low red blood cell count in the body).
3) RDA:
You need to consume more molybdenum as you get older. The RDA for children aged between 0 and 6 months is 0.002 milligrams (mg). This requirement increases 0.017mg per day for children aged between 1 and 3 years Natural Body Care Products and increases again to 0.034mg per day for children aged between 9 and 13 years. The RDA for adults aged 19 years and older is 0.045mg. The tolerable upper limit (TUL) for this nutrient is 2mg per day.
4) FOOD SOURCES:
Legumes and nuts are often the best food sources of molybdenum. Chilli beans (0.11mg per 100g), green beans (0.13mg per 100g), lima beans (0.87mg per 100g) and small white beans (0.45mg per 100g) all contain high levels of this nutrient.
5) OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS:
It is difficult to consume too much magnesium from natural sources alone. However, consuming high levels of supplements can cause an overdose. The symptoms of overdose include anemia, diarrhea, high blood levels of uric acid, reduced copper absorption and swelling in the joints.
6) DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Dietary deficiencies of molybdenum are very rare. In most cases a deficiency is caused by intravenous feeding or the rare genetic disorder molybdenum co-factor deficiency (which prevents the proper absorption of this nutrient). The symptoms of deficiency include anemia (a low red blood cell count), dental cavities, dizziness, headaches, impaired sexual function, night blindness and rapid heartbeats.