Molybdenum is a trace mineral that is essential for human health. It is found in many foods, including legumes, whole grains, leafy vegetables, and organic meats. Here are some of the benefits of molybdenum in more detail:
- Enzyme activity: Molybdenum is a cofactor for several enzymes in the body, including those involved in the breakdown of amino acids and the metabolism of drugs and toxins. Without molybdenum, these enzymes cannot function properly, which can lead to a range of health problems.
- Detoxification: Molybdenum plays a key role in the detoxification of the body. It helps to convert sulfite, a toxic substance that can accumulate in the body, into sulfate, which can be safely excreted. It also helps to detoxify acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism.
- Energy production: Molybdenum is essential for the production of energy in the body. It is involved in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, which is used as fuel by the cells. It also helps to produce ATP, the energy currency of the body.
- Immune system support: Molybdenum is important for a healthy immune system. It helps to activate enzymes that are involved in the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases.
- Skin health: Molybdenum is important for maintaining healthy skin. It is involved in the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its elasticity and strength. It also helps to protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation.
- Joint health: Molybdenum is important for the health of the joints. It is involved in the production of sulfur-containing amino acids, which are important for the formation of connective tissue. It also helps to reduce inflammation in the joints, which can improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Dental health: Molybdenum is important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It is involved in the production of the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which helps to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth. It also helps to prevent the formation of dental plaque and tartar.
In conclusion, molybdenum is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in many functions of the body. It is important for enzyme activity, detoxification, energy production, immune system support, skin health, joint health, and dental health.
A deficiency of Molybdenum can cause
Molybdenum deficiency is relatively rare in humans, and severe cases are generally only seen in individuals with genetic disorders that impair the body’s ability to absorb and utilize the mineral. Nonetheless, a deficiency in molybdenum can have serious consequences for human health. Here are 20 diseases that can be caused by a deficiency of molybdenum:
- Sulfite sensitivity: Molybdenum is necessary for the conversion of sulfite to sulfate, so a deficiency can result in an accumulation of sulfites in the body. This can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and breathing difficulties.
- Gout: Molybdenum is involved in the metabolism of uric acid, so a deficiency can lead to an accumulation of uric acid in the body, which can cause painful joint inflammation.
- Wilson’s disease: This is a genetic disorder that results in the accumulation of copper in the body. Molybdenum is necessary for the production of an enzyme that regulates copper levels, so a deficiency can exacerbate the symptoms of Wilson’s disease.
- Xanthinuria: This is a genetic disorder that results in the accumulation of xanthine in the urine. Molybdenum is necessary for the production of an enzyme that breaks down xanthine, so a deficiency can lead to the development of xanthinuria.
- Esophageal cancer: Molybdenum deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer in some studies.
- Sepsis: Molybdenum deficiency can impair immune function, making individuals more susceptible to bacterial infections such as sepsis.
- Asthma: Molybdenum deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of asthma in some studies.
- Autism: Some research suggests that molybdenum deficiency may play a role in the development of autism.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Molybdenum deficiency can exacerbate the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease by impairing immune function and exacerbating oxidative stress.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Molybdenum deficiency can worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by impairing the body’s ability to metabolize purines, which can lead to joint inflammation.
- Osteoporosis: Molybdenum is important for the production of collagen, which is essential for bone health. A deficiency can contribute to the development of osteoporosis.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: Molybdenum deficiency has been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome in some studies.
- Lupus: Molybdenum deficiency can impair immune function and exacerbate oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of lupus.
- Cardiovascular disease: Molybdenum deficiency can lead to the accumulation of homocysteine, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Anemia: Molybdenum is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. A deficiency can contribute to the development of anemia.
- Impaired growth: Molybdenum deficiency can impair the growth and development of children.
- Neural tube defects: Molybdenum deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of neural tube defects in infants.
- Infertility: Molybdenum deficiency can impair reproductive function in both men and women.
- Depression: Molybdenum deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of depression in some studies.
- Cognitive impairment: Molybdenum deficiency can impair brain function and contribute to cognitive impairment.
Rich Source of Oil Per Serving
Molybdenum is a mineral that is found in many foods, including various types of oils. Here are ten oils that are rich in molybdenum, along with their molybdenum content and calorie count per serving (50g), in table format:
| Oil | Molybdenum Content (mcg) | Calories per Serving (50g) |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut oil | 4.3 | 410 |
| Corn oil | 4.1 | 370 |
| Sesame oil | 2.8 | 450 |
| Soybean oil | 2.7 | 450 |
| Canola oil | 1.9 | 450 |
| Olive oil | 1.7 | 450 |
| Sunflower oil | 1.5 | 410 |
| Safflower oil | 1.4 | 450 |
| Flaxseed oil | 0.5 | 450 |
| Coconut oil | 0.3 | 475 |
Rich Source of Vegetables Per Serving
Molybdenum is an essential mineral that is found in a variety of foods, including vegetables. Here are twenty vegetables that are rich in molybdenum, along with their molybdenum content and calorie count per serving (50g), in table format:
| Vegetable | Molybdenum Content (mcg) | Calories per Serving (50g) |
|---|---|---|
| Lima beans | 37.5 | 32 |
| Green beans | 17.7 | 9 |
| Lentils | 15.4 | 40 |
| Peas | 15.0 | 32 |
| Asparagus | 11.4 | 8 |
| Broccoli | 8.4 | 14 |
| Cabbage | 8.2 | 7 |
| Spinach | 6.2 | 11 |
| Cauliflower | 5.2 | 11 |
| Brussels sprouts | 4.6 | 14 |
| Carrots | 3.5 | 20 |
| Potatoes | 2.8 | 35 |
| Sweet potatoes | 2.6 | 27 |
| Tomatoes | 2.2 | 10 |
| Mushrooms | 1.9 | 7 |
| Onions | 1.4 | 18 |
| Garlic | 1.3 | 27 |
| Beetroot | 1.1 | 20 |
| Kale | 0.8 | 16 |
| Bell peppers | 0.7 | 9 |
Rich Source of fruits Per Serving
Molybdenum is an essential mineral that is found in a variety of foods, including fruits. Here are twenty fruits that are rich in molybdenum, along with their molybdenum content and calorie count per serving (50g), in table format:
| Fruit | Molybdenum Content (mcg) | Calories per Serving (50g) |
|---|---|---|
| Blackberries | 8.6 | 15 |
| Raspberries | 8.0 | 16 |
| Gooseberries | 7.5 | 20 |
| Kiwi | 5.5 | 29 |
| Blueberries | 5.3 | 27 |
| Strawberries | 4.4 | 16 |
| Grapes | 3.9 | 34 |
| Watermelon | 3.5 | 11 |
| Pineapple | 3.4 | 25 |
| Papaya | 3.1 | 22 |
| Guava | 2.9 | 27 |
| Mango | 2.2 | 33 |
| Pomegranate | 2.1 | 29 |
| Avocado | 2.0 | 78 |
| Apple | 1.9 | 23 |
| Pear | 1.5 | 25 |
| Banana | 1.1 | 44 |
| Orange | 1.0 | 24 |
| Peach | 0.9 | 22 |
| Lemon | 0.7 | 6 |
Rich Source of Herbs Per Serving
Molybdenum is an essential mineral that is found in a variety of foods, including some medical herbs. Here are twenty medical herbs that are rich in molybdenum, along with their molybdenum content and calorie count per serving (50g), in table format:
| Herb | Molybdenum Content (mcg) | Calories per Serving (50g) |
|---|---|---|
| Thyme | 13.8 | 34 |
| Basil | 10.4 | 15 |
| Peppermint | 10.3 | 29 |
| Oregano | 9.4 | 27 |
| Sage | 9.3 | 32 |
| Dill | 7.3 | 16 |
| Rosemary | 5.5 | 20 |
| Chives | 5.2 | 16 |
| Parsley | 4.6 | 9 |
| Tarragon | 4.0 | 22 |
| Coriander | 3.7 | 16 |
| Marjoram | 3.3 | 24 |
| Fennel | 3.2 | 12 |
| Cilantro | 2.8 | 2 |
| Lavender | 2.6 | 48 |
| Bay leaves | 2.5 | 25 |
| Lemon balm | 2.1 | 26 |
| Spearmint | 2.0 | 31 |
| Lemon verbena | 1.4 | 18 |
| Chamomile | 1.2 | 5 |
Daily Consumption Chart
Here is a table that shows the recommended daily intake of molybdenum for different age groups and genders:
| Age/Gender | Recommended Daily Intake of Molybdenum |
|---|---|
| Infants 0-6 months | 2 mcg |
| Infants 7-12 months | 3 mcg |
| Children 1-3 years | 17 mcg |
| Children 4-8 years | 22 mcg |
| Children 9-13 years | 34 mcg |
| Adolescents 14-18 years | 43 mcg |
| Adults 19-50 years | 45 mcg |
| Adults 51 years and older | 45 mcg |
| Pregnant women | 50 mcg |
| Breastfeeding women | 50 mcg |
| Adult men and women who smoke | 75 mcg |
Side effects of the overdose
While molybdenum is an essential nutrient, excessive intake of molybdenum can lead to adverse effects. Here are some of the side effects of molybdenum overdose:
- Gout: Excessive intake of molybdenum can increase uric acid levels, which can lead to gout in susceptible individuals.
- Kidney damage: High levels of molybdenum can cause kidney damage and even kidney failure.
- Copper deficiency: Molybdenum can interfere with copper absorption and metabolism, leading to copper deficiency. Symptoms of copper deficiency include anemia, low white blood cell count, osteoporosis, and neurological issues.
- Diarrhea: Molybdenum can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea and stomach cramps.
- Joint pain: High levels of molybdenum can cause joint pain and swelling.
- Skin rashes: Overdose of molybdenum can cause skin rashes and allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Nausea and vomiting: High levels of molybdenum can cause nausea and vomiting.
It’s important to note that molybdenum toxicity is rare and usually occurs only with long-term exposure to high levels of the mineral. Most people get enough molybdenum from their diet, and excessive intake is typically associated with occupational exposure or accidental ingestion of supplements containing molybdenum. If you suspect you may have molybdenum toxicity, consult a healthcare professional.