In this article, we will look at the role of molybdenum in the human body. Our body is one of the most complex systems in the world, its functioning largely depends on the presence and content of various components and trace elements.
How it affects us and what functions it performs. What vitamins contain it. How much you need to consume to keep yourself healthy, attractive and not to harm yourself.
Characteristics of molybdenum
Molybdenum is an important trace element present in all tissues and organs as well as in enzymes. It is a soft, silver-colored metal. It is most commonly found as disulfide, in plants and animal tissues.
Large quantities of this metal are found in water and in the atmosphere. They are easily absorbed and evenly distributed in our bodies. Molybdenum is also a part of the soil of the earth. Its largest deposits are in Mexico, Australia, Russia, and the United States.
The role of the trace element, both as a trace element and as a metal, is enormous. In the latter case, oxides, disulfides, powders and other compounds are used for mechanical, technical purposes.
For us, it is an indispensable engine of metabolic processes, helps accumulate nitrogen, and accelerates protein synthesis.
Molybdenum applications
The range of application of molybdenum is very wide.
For technical purposes, the properties of the metal allow to solve the following tasks:
- Production of metal for the construction of spacecraft cladding;
- Addition to other metals to improve their qualities;
- Use as a lubricant for machining different surfaces;
- Increasing resistance to wear and corrosion by adding to other metals;
- Use in the manufacture of glazes and dyes;
- Addition as a micro-fertilizer for plants;
- Catalyzing of chemical reactions.
In medical practice you can find completely different methods of using different types of compounds:
- Diagnosis of oncological diseases;
- Relief of the effects of chemotherapy;
- Treatment of Wilson’s disease;
- Removal of toxins from the body.
For men, the substance can perform functions:
- Normalization of sexual functions of the male organs;
- Alleviation of arthritis pain;
- Reducing the occurrence of bowel cancer;
- Stimulation of growth and development of the body;
- Improvement of iron absorption;Iinfluence on blood quality;
- Improvement of intestinal microflora;
- Prevention of allergic reactions.
Daily rate of molybdenum
The daily dose of molybdenum may vary depending on age, weight, and gender. For adults and adolescents, a dosage of 75 to 300 mcg per day is recommended.
For children from infants and up to 14 years of age, the optimal dose is taken from 15 to 150 mcg.
| Age category | Optimal dose |
| Children under 5 years of age | 25 micrograms |
| Children under 10 years of age | 50 micrograms |
| Children under 14 years of age | 100 micrograms |
| Teenagers under 18 years of age | 150 micrograms |
| Adults | The elderly 250 mcg |
It should be noted that the individual rate is prescribed and determined only by the attending physician. The table reflects the average value of the needs of the age category without gender division.
Molybdenum deficiency in humans
Molybdenum deficiency can occur due to diets, vegetarian lifestyle, intermittent fasting, as well as due to injuries and burns.
Gastrointestinal diseases result in impaired absorption of the trace element. If the body has excessive amounts of sulfur, sodium or tungsten, this undeniably causes a deficiency of the substance.
What can a lack of molybdenum in the human body lead to?
- Disruption of anabolic processes;
- Increased risk of cancer development;
- Impaired utilization of copper from the body;
- Excessive accumulation of copper;
- Inhibition of methionine catabolism;
- Impairment of immunity;
- Stunted growth and development.
These are only the initial effects. Later on, disorientation in space, night blindness, and mental retardation can occur. Cases of lens abnormalities, protein metabolism disorders, weight loss and edema occurrence have also been recorded. Skin and muscles lose tone and begin to sag.
Nervousness and irritability, nausea, shortness of breath appear. External characteristics include profuse hair loss, skin and nail lesions.
If one or more symptoms occur, you should see a doctor for an examination. Diagnosis will show the quantitative content of molybdenum in the body. If a molybdenum deficiency is detected, the necessary medication is prescribed.
Excess molybdenum and consequences
How does excessive molybdenum in the body manifest itself?
Symptoms can be very different. A person will quickly begin to lose weight, the growth of hair and nails will slow down, irritation of mucous membranes, the appearance of gout is possible. In all cases it is worth seeing a doctor immediately.
There may also be impairment of skin pigmentation, an increase in the activity of xanthine oxidase (one of the compounds of molybdenum). Elevated levels of uric acid in the urine is likely to lead to the development of urolithiasis, uraturia, pneumoconiosis, suppression of hematopoiesis: leukopenia, anemia.
Poisoning and overexposure may occur in the following cases:
- Toxic poisoning at work;
- Consumption of drinking water with high content of the micronutrient;
- Consumption of large amounts of preparations with molybdenum;
- Iron and copper deficiency.
However, actual cases of poisoning are rare. For this you need to take 10-15 mg per day, which is almost impossible. 50 mg is considered a lethal dose.
Sources of molybdenum
The main sources of molybdenum are vegetation and animals.
Plant sources include:
- carrots;
- blackcurrants;
- eggs;
- gooseberries;
- mushrooms;
- vegetables;
- tomatoes;
- soybeans;
- legumes;
- buckwheat;
- corn;
Animals have less of a track record:
- lamb;
- pork;
- beef;
- liver;
- dairy products.
It is necessary to determine one’s daily norm and try to consume foods in accordance with it. If you feel the lack of the substance or symptoms of deficiency appear, it can be replenished with special preparations and vitamins that contain molybdenum.
Preparations with molybdenum
Fortunately, the lack of any micronutrient in the body today is not a particular problem. The market is overflowing with useful supplements and preparations that can help to make up for deficiencies in the body.
Vitamins are necessary for our physical and mental health, they help to compensate all the gaps.
In the table the most common supplements with molybdenum are considered, and there is also a description, contraindications, a link to the site where you can buy and tips for use.
| Name | Advantages | Contraindications | Instructions for use |
| Solgar, Helate Molybdenum, 100 Tablets | Has a chelated form of molybdenum. | Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. In case of side effects, consult a specialist. Do not use if the protective ring is broken or missing. | Adults take 1 tablet with meals or as prescribed by the doctor. |
| Thorne Research Molybdenum Glycinate 60 capsules | Promotes detoxification of the liver. | Use as prescribed by your doctor. Vitamins should not be taken as a substitute for a nutritious diet. Keep out of the reach of children. Keep in a cool, dry place. Keep out of direct sunlight. | Take 1 capsule once or three times a day, or as recommended by your doctor. |
| Liquid Molybdenum | Liquid molybdenum (30 ml) from the manufacturer Nutricology. Only 3 drops (0.15 ml) of liquid molybdenum per day cover the daily requirement of the body for this trace element. | Contraindicated if allergic to any substance in the composition. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. | Take 1-3 drops 1 to 2 times a day, or as prescribed by your doctor. |
| Centuri 2000 | The formula contains the recommended daily allowance of 24 vitamins and minerals and the recommended allowance of molybdenum in easily assimilable chelated form. This formula is for active people; it normalizes metabolism and eliminates hormonal imbalances. Recommended for adults and children from 6 years of age. | Individual intolerance to the components, pregnancy, breast-feeding. | Adults take 1 tablet once a day with meals. The duration of intake – 1 month. |
| Sentry, Multivitamin & Multimineral Supplement, Adults | A complex supplement that contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals. | Use only after consulting with your doctor, if any side effects discontinue use. | Take 1 tablet a day with a meal or as recommended by your doctor. |
| Stay Healthy | Balanced complex of vitamins and trace elements, the preparation contains the daily rate of the trace element molybdenum, helps eliminate the symptoms of vitamin deficiency. | Do not use the product with a fake seal and damage to the integrity. Store at room temperature. | 1 tablet a day after breakfast. |
| Ionic Molybdenum | The preparations consist of metal ions, purified water and citric acid (stabilizer). The purified water is a carrier of hydrogen ions. Hydrogen ions and metal ions are an active food supplement, compatible with other medicines, do not increase the effects of alcohol and nicotine on the human body. | It is undesirable to use with dairy products, as well as in the first month with cereal products (wheat, rye, barley). | 2 drops per 10 kg of weight 2-4 times a day with meals. In intensive therapy, up to 100 drops per day. At breakfast – 20 drops, lunch – 40 drops, dinner – 20 drops with water or food. Before going to bed – 10-20 drops with water. |
Do not forget the importance of choosing the right drug.
The price of vitamins with molybdenum
The cost of vitamins varies from $8.00 to $40.00. However, we should consider what we pay for and what we get.
The price range of preparations is presented in the table.
| Name | Price |
| Solgar, Helate Molybdenum, 100 tabs | $8.00 |
| Thorne Research Molybdenum Glycinate 60 Capsules | $12.50 |
| Liquid Molybdenum | $12.50 |
| Centuri 2000 | $9.50 |
| Sentry, Multivitamin & Multimineral Supplement, Adults | $10.00 |
| Stay Healthy | $35.50 |
| Ionic Molybdenum, 100 ml | $29.00 |
The price is an indicator not only of the quantity, but also of the quality of the product. For example, molybdenum ion in drops has a number of advantages over other vitamins, which justifies its cost.
- Due to its structure, it is easy to use and has a more significant impact in strengthening your health.
- It can be used as a dietary supplement for prevention and as a complete medicine. It is able to make up for the lack of a micronutrient and heal from all the deterioration that has occurred.
- The special liquid composition allows for instant absorption into the body and full absorption.
- Virtually no contraindications and side effects.
- Regular use will rejuvenate and heal the body both internally and externally. Improvement of skin, nails, hair will not be long in coming.
The role of molybdenum in the human body is of great value.
The sooner you start taking care of yourself, the sooner your body will thank you. You will feel it from within: moping and apathy will pass, immunity will become stronger, toxins and impurities will be eliminated. The reflection in the mirror will begin to please and delight.
Health is an essential trope for the rest of life. If you are a rich person, it doesn’t guarantee you health. But if you are healthy, then you are rich, attractive, and in harmony with yourself. Everyone is capable of contributing to their own future.
