Molybdenum (Mo)

This trace element is a cofactor of a large number of enzymes that provide metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids, pyrimidines and purines.

The daily requirement for molybdenum is 0,5 mg.

Molybdenum rich foods

Indicated approximate availability in 100 g of product

 

Useful properties of molybdenum and its effect on the body

Molybdenum activates a number of enzymes, in particular flavoproteins, affects purine metabolism, accelerating the exchange and excretion of uric acid from the body.

Molybdenum is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin, the metabolism of fatty acids, carbohydrates and some vitamins (A, B1, B2, PP, E).

Interaction with other essential elements

Molybdenum promotes the conversion of iron (Fe) in the liver. It is a partial antagonist of copper (Cu) in biological systems.

Excess molybdenum contributes to the disruption of vitamin B12 synthesis.

Lack and excess of molybdenum

Signs of a lack of molybdenum

  • slow growth;
  • deterioration of appetite.

With a lack of molybdenum, the formation of kidney stones increases, the risk of cancer, gout and impotence increases.

Signs of excess molybdenum

An excess of molybdenum in the diet contributes to an increase in uric acid in the blood by 3-4 times compared with the norm, the development of the so-called molybdenum gout and an increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase.

Factors Affecting the Molybdenum Content of Products

The amount of molybdenum in food products largely depends on its content in the soil where they are grown. Molybdenum can also be lost during cooking.

Why there is a deficiency of molybdenum

Molybdenum deficiency is extremely rare and occurs in people with a poor diet.

Read also about other minerals:

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