2. 1 Keen CL, Zidenberg-cherr S. Manganese. In: Present Knowledge in Nutrition, 6th ed. Brown ML, editor. Washington, DC:
International Life Sciences Institute; 1990.
3. 1 de Rosa G, Keen CL, Leach RM, Hurley LS. Regulation of superoxide dismutase activity by dietary manganese. J Nutr
1980;110:795-804.
4. 1 Wimhurst JM, Manchester KL. Comparison of ability of Mg and Mn to activate the key enzymes of glycolysis. FEBS Letter
1972;27:321-6.
5. 1 Rubinstein AH, Levin NW, Elliott GA. Manganese-induced hypoglycemia. Lancet 1962;2:1348-51.
6. 1 Murray M. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing; 1996.
7. 1 Healthnotes 1998-2002. Available from: URL: http://www.healthnotes.com.
8. 1 Freeland-Graves JH, Lin PH. Plasma uptake of Manganese as affected by oral loads of Manganese, Calcium, milk, phosphorus,
Copper, and Zinc. J Am Coll Nutr 1991;10(1):38-43.
9. 1 Rossander-Hulten L, Brune M, Sandstrom B. Competitive inhibition of Iron absorption by Manganese and Zinc in humans. Am J
Clin Nutr. 1991;54(1):152-6.
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Minerals
Molybdenum
General Features
Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral. It functions as a component in several enzymes, including those involved in
alcohol detoxification, uric acid formation, and sulfur metabolism. As a component of xanthine oxidase enzyme,
molybdenum plays an essential role in the metabolism of the purine components of nucleic acids and the formation of
uric acid. It is also a cofactor for various flavoprotein enzymes.
The estimated dietary intake is 45 to 500 mcg per day.
A molybdenum deficiency manifests as an inability to detoxify sulfites because sulfite oxidase enzyme (Phase I liver
detoxification enzyme) is molybdenum dependent.
Sulfoxidation is the process by which the sulfur-containing molecules in drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine, a tranquillizer)
and foods (e.g., garlic) are metabolized. It is also the process by which the body eliminates sulfite food additives used
to preserve foods and drugs.1,2 Individuals with a poor functioning sulfite oxidize enzyme system tend to have an
increased ratio of sulfite to sulfate in their urine, due to a lower capability of converting sulfites to sulfates via sulfite
oxidation. In these instances, individuals tend to be more sensitive to sulfur containing drugs and foods containing
sulfur and sulfite additives. This is especially important in asthmatics, who may benefit from molybdenum
supplementation as a means to enhance their sulfite oxidation pathway.3
Thus, molybdenum supplementation may improve this pathway of detoxification in affected individuals. Moreover,
although most textbooks indicate that molybdenum deficiency is rare, a recent Austrian study suggested that 41.5
percent of 1,750 subjects studied experienced sub-optimal molybdenum status.1,4
Absorption and Metabolism
Molybdenum enjoys a high rate of absorption from the intestinal tract (as much as 88-93 percent is absorbed). Excess
molybdenum is excreted in the urine.
Recommended Daily Al owance (Molybdenum)
There is no RDA for molybdenum; however, the following recommended intakes have been suggested:
Age Group
Dosage
(mcg)
0-6 mths
15-30
6-12 mths
20-40
1-3 yrs
25-50
4-6 yrs
30-75
7-10 yrs
50-150
11 yrs and older
75-2505
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Minerals
Supplementation Studies and Clinical Applications