Molybdenum
May 16, 2019
Sources
- Legumes: lentils, peas, beans
- Nuts: almonds, cashews, chestnuts
- Green leafy vegetables
- Eggs
Deficiency
- potentially linked with cancer
Uses
- Reduces elevated copper levels for people with Wilson’s disease as molybdenum and copper are antagonistic
- Is needed to break down sulfur containing foods
- Is an essential cofactor in the enzyme Xanthine oxidase, this enzyme breaks down nucleotides and adds to the antioxidant capacity of the blood.
- Plays a role in detoxifying drugs and toxins
- Links to longevity, blue zones - an area where inhabitants tend to live longer lives than the general population tends to have higher levels of molybdenum in the soil and therefore in the local food eaten by the elder inhabitants.
Danger
- Not to be taken if you have a copper deficiency
- Toxicity may cause gout-like symptoms
Medication interactions
- None known
Fun Fact
Molybdenum is being used in pilot studies with promising results in cancer treatment for kidney, colorectal, and breast cancer.
Author
Jennifer Harrington
Clinical Director
Menopause Specialist, Naturopath, Nutritionist, Medical Herbalist
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