Molybdenum for General Well Being
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Loading ...Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral found in animals and human beings. The amount of this mineral present in plants varies greatly, depending on the soil. A relatively higher amount is present in plants which are grown on neutral or alkaline soils with a high content of organic matter, and a lower amount in those grown on acid, sandy soils.
Molybdenum is a hard, heavy, and silver-white metallic element of the chromium group. It occurs only in combination with other chemicals in the body.
The excretion of molybdenum in the urine may be up to half the total daily intake.
Functions of Molybdenum in the Body
Molybdenum is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin and absorption of iron. It functions as a component in several enzymes, including those involved in alcohol detoxification, uric acid formation, and sulfur metabolism. This trace mineral aids in carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
Sources of Molybdenum
- Foods rich in proteins and iron are said to contain molybdenum in sufficient concentration.
- Whole grains, pulses and legumes, leafy vegetables, and nuts are the main food sources of this element.
- Molybdenum, like other trace minerals, is not destroyed by cooking.
- A varied diet, including foods which are rich in molybdenum, should negate the necessity of taking any supplements, with a few exceptions.
Deficiency Symptoms of Molybdenum
It has been seen that animals on a low molybdenum diet do not grow normally, thus inferring that a deficiency of this mineral can be a contributory factor in some disturbances of iron metabolism. A deficiency can also lead to dental caries. It has been reported that the rates of dental caries are lower than average in children brought up in areas where the soil has a high molybdenum content. A molybdenum deficiency has been suggested as a cause for sulphite sensitivities, because sulphite oxidase, the enzyme that detoxifies sulphites, is molybdenum-dependent.
Healing Properties
Molybdenum is considered beneficial in the prevention of anaemia. It also promotes general well-being.
Precautions
Toxic reactions to molybdenum are not common. However, a very high incidence of gout in some cases has been attributed to high intakes of molybdenum from local plants.
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