Molybdenum is classified as a metallic element and found widely in nature in nitrogen-fixing bacteria. It is essential in trace amounts for human, animal and plant health. In humans and animals, it serves mainly as an essential cofactor of enzymes and aids in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Humans need only very small amounts of molybdenum, which are easily attained through a healthy diet. Deficiency is very rare in humans.
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Uses
- The main known function of molybdenum in humans is to act as a catalyst for enzymes and to help facilitate the breakdown of certain amino acids in the body. Molybdenum combines with sulfite oxidase to catalyze sulfur-containing Amino acids that are crucial for human health. Although cases of molybdenum deficiency are rare, signs of deficiency include defects in uric acid production as well as decreased metabolism of sulfur-containing Amino acids.
- Epidemiologic evidence also suggests that populations living in areas where the soil has little molybdenum are at a greater risk of esophageal cancers.
Benefits
- Molybdenum works in the body to break down proteins and other substances. Molybdenum deficiency is very uncommon.
- Molybdenum has an important role in normal body functions.
Other Names
Ammonium Molybdate, Chélate de Molybdate, Chelated Molybdenum, Citrate de Molybdène, Etrathiomolybdate, Ionic Molybdenum, Mo, Molibdeno, Molybdate d’Ammonium, Molybdate de Sodium, Molybdene, Molybdène, Molybdenum Citrate, Molybdenum Picolinate, Sodium Molybdate.
References
- Source: WebMD, “Molybdenum”, www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/