Molybdenum

This is a vital trace element. It is found in leafy green vegetables, unrefined grains, and pulses. An adult needs to consume 75–250 µg per day. In blood plasma, it ranges from 0.3–1.2 μg/l, and in hair from 0.02–2.0 μg/g. Molybdenum is a cofactor for aldehyde oxidase, sulfite oxidase, and xanthine oxidase. Its deficiency (in the presence of tungsten excess) disrupts xanthine oxidation to uric acid, inhibits methionine catabolism, reduces the excretion of uric acid and sulfates, slows down growth. Xanthine stones may form in the kidneys, copper ions can accumulate leading to intoxication, adaptation to darkness may be impaired, and tachycardia may occur. An excess of molybdenum can lead to molybdenum gout, uraturia, and blood clotting inhibition. The toxic dose is 5 mg, lethal for humans is 50 mg.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė