Molybdenum

digestion mineral 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.

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