What is molybdenum responsible for in the human body? Molybdenum - characteristics of the functions and role of the element in the human body; a list of products that contain this metal. Beneficial properties of molybdenum and its effect on the body

Molybdenum is a mineral that is present in the gray matter of the brain, areas of taste, smell, vision and all tissues and organs human body.

The name of the element is translated from Greek as “lead”. This is due to the fact that molybdenum for a long time confused with this metal.

The compound is extracted from molybdenite, a mineral that appearance similar to graphite, has a characteristic lead luster. Interestingly, only at the end of the 18th century did the Swedish scientist K. Scheele, after processing molybdenum ore with concentrated nitric acid It was possible to establish that the resulting metal is a completely different substance. During the reaction a mass was formed white, which the Swedish chemist calcined and received a new chemical element.

IN pure form molybdenum was discovered in 1817 by the Swedish chemist J. Berzelius by reducing the oxide with hydrogen. The mineral does not occur in nature without impurities.

Characteristic

Refined molybdenum is a soft, silver-colored metal with a slight sheen. In the human body, it is not sulfur itself that is present, but its compounds, which, when interacting with sulfur, are absorbed into the blood and carried to tissues and organs. Largest quantity molybdenum is concentrated in the liver, kidneys, thyroid gland, and brain. As part of enzymes, it acts as a cofactor, promoting detoxification of the body. In addition, the element is needed for normal operation nervous system, activates the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids, retains fluoride in bones, strengthens tooth enamel, protects it from destruction.

The human body contains nine milligrams of molybdenum. Daily requirement in the compound for adults varies from 75 to 250 micrograms; for persons over 75 years of age, its consumption should be reduced to 200 micrograms.

Indications for taking molybdenum in excess of the daily norm: tachycardia, male infertility, brain tumors, caries, impotence, visual impairment.

Molybdenum from food is easily absorbed in the stomach and small intestine in the form of soluble complexes. The level of absorption of the compound supplied with food reaches 80%. After entering the body, the microelement binds to proteins (in particular, albumin), then is transported to the tissues and cells of all organs.

In the blood, the mineral is distributed in equal proportions between plasma, shaped elements. Excretion of soluble molybdenum compounds occurs in urine, feces, and bile.

“On guard of health” or the biological role of molybdenum

The physiological significance of the microelement for humans was first documented in 1953 after the discovery of the compound’s effect on the activity of the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is responsible for the metabolism of purines in the body.

Functions of molybdenum.

1. Improves nitrogen accumulation, enhances amino acid synthesis.
2. Part of enzymes that regulate metabolism uric acid, thereby preventing the development of gout. Xanthine oxidase accelerates the transformation of hypoxanthine into xanthines, sulfite oxidase accelerates the transformation of sulfite into sulfate, aldehyde oxidase oxidizes and neutralizes pteridines, purines, pyrimidines.
3. Removes toxic substances from the body that come as a result of taking alcoholic drinks, smoking, inhalation of harmful fumes in industrial enterprises.
4. Participates in the functioning of the pancreas, regulation reproductive function(stops the development of impotence), respiratory processes, hemoglobin production, and ascorbic acid synthesis.
5. Protects the body from inflammatory reactions.
6. Has an antioxidant effect (inhibits the process of cell oxidation).
7. Prevents the appearance and progression of malignant tumors.
8. Prevents the development of dysbacteriosis, anemia, caries.
9. Improves absorption by the body.
10. Increases the phagocytic activity of blood leukocytes.
11. Stimulates growth, which is especially important for children and adolescents.

Remember, taking tungsten and lead reduces the absorption of molybdenum, while copper sulfate increases the excretion of the compound into bile. Iron deficiency, on the contrary, increases the level of the microelement in the body.

Lack of molybdenum and how to deal with it

Molybdenum deficiency – a rare event, which can develop as a consequence:

• long-term intravenous nutrition in patients with gastrointestinal disorders or those in intensive care;
• strict unbalanced vegetarian diet;
• disruption of normal absorption from the intestine;
• exposure stressful situations when it occurs increased need organism in sulfite oxidase;
• excess tungsten content in the body.

Symptoms of mineral deficiency in the body:

• increased excitability, nervousness;
• increased heart rate (tachycardia);
• decreased activity, which includes molybdenum;
• decreased visual acuity, inability to see objects in dim lighting.

Consequences of insufficient connection:

• violation normal development brain, cysteine ​​metabolism, nitrogen base metabolism;
• increased risk of developing esophageal cancer;
• mental retardation;
• decreased excretion of inorganic sulfates, uric acid;
• blurred vision;
• inadequate removal of inorganic sulfate substances;
• inhibition of methionine catabolism;
• formation of xanthine stones in the kidneys;
• excessive accumulation of copper, which can lead to intoxication of the body;
• reduction in growth rate, cellulose breakdown.

Symptoms and consequences of deficiency can be eliminated by adding molybdenum to daily diet. It is recommended to focus on following products, rich in this microelement: legumes, leafy vegetables, liver, kidneys, large brains cattle, dairy products.

Chronic molybdenum deficiency is compensated for through the use of dietary supplements, medicines. These include the following vitamin and mineral complexes containing the element: “Stay Healthy”, “Centuri 2000”, “Vitrum”, “MultiMax”, “Gerimaks Energy”, “Centrum”, “Alphabet”, “Duovit” and radioactive isotope"Molybdenum-99", intended for diagnostic procedures, treatment of cancer.

The mineral content in the body is assessed based on the results of a hair and blood test. Normal levels of molybdenum in hair strands range from 0.02 to 2 micrograms per gram, and in the bloodstream - 0.3 to 1.2 micrograms per liter. With insufficient intake, the concentration of the compound in urine, plasma, and hair decreases. In addition, the activity of erythrocyte xanthine oxidase, the level of ceruloplasmin in the blood serum, and copper in urine decrease.

“Too much is not always good” or an overdose of molybdenum

This mineral is relatively non-toxic. Signs and effects of excess molybdenum in the body appear when consuming 10,000 micrograms of the compound per day. The lethal dose for humans is 50,000 micrograms.

Causes of poisoning with molybdenum compounds:

• inhalation of powder or pure metal under industrial conditions;
• excessive intake of water compounds, food additives, food, drugs;
• poor diet for copper.

Cases of acute overdose of the body with a mineral practically do not occur, and chronic poisoning It has similar symptoms with a condition that develops when there is a deficiency of the compound in the body.

Signs of excess:

• accumulation of nitrogenous wastes in the blood;
• failures of fertilization processes;
• development of anemia, leukopenia, gout, uraturia;
• growth slowdown;
• irritation of mucous membranes;
• increased xanthine oxidase activity;
• skin pigmentation;
• weight loss;
• pneumoconosis;
• salt deposition in joints;
• increase in uric acid levels in urine.

If symptoms of overdose appear, consult a doctor immediately, since the consequences of untimely relief of the source of poisoning can pose a threat to the life of the victim.

Molybdenum: where to look for it

Amount of microelement in products plant origin(vegetables, fruits, grains) depends on the soil where they grew. The largest amount of molybdenum is concentrated in legumes, cauliflower, carrots, green leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds, garlic. Among the sources of the compound of animal origin are lean meats, milk, and offal.

Remember, molybdenum compounds are lost when meat is defrosted in water or vegetables are cooked for a long time in their purified form. By including baked goods, offal, grains, and dairy products in your daily diet, you can easily provide your body with the required level of the mineral.

Thus, molybdenum is a trace element of youth and beauty. It provides high-quality detoxification of the body, strengthens bone tissue, activates metabolism, which is especially valuable for people who want to lose weight. excess weight. Regular intake of the compound in sufficient quantities (75 – 250 milligrams) promotes optimal functioning of internal organs.

Molybdenum is one of the most important microelements contained in our body. It performs a number of completely different functions. For example, it is able to maintain the condition of dental tissue without retaining fluoride in the body. It stimulates the work of enzymes that ensure tissue respiration, and these processes are very important for the development and growth of cells. Helps remove uric acid from the body, thereby preventing the development of gout. This trace element is a catalyst for oxidative reactions.
The adult body contains approximately nine milligrams of molybdenum. The main amount is found in the kidneys, brain, thyroid gland, liver and bone tissue. Most often it enters the body through breathing or feeding.
Molybdenum deficiency can be caused by substances such as tungsten, and. But the increase in its concentration depends on and.

The trace element is important for the functioning of xanthate oxidase. This is an enzyme that processes nitrogen compounds in our body. When it enters the bloodstream, it travels to the liver where it is used for enzyme synthesis to work well. It is excreted from the body through the kidneys, since it is there that the concentration of molybdenum is high. Therefore, the accumulated excess molybdenum accumulates in the body and is excreted through the kidneys along with bile.
Also, the substance promotes active metabolism, and its properties can have a beneficial effect on reproductive system, for example, as a warning about the development of impotence. With a sufficient amount of molybdenum in the blood, the elimination of alcohol and tobacco toxins from the body is accelerated.

Daily requirement for molybdenum:
An adult and a teenager need only seventy to three hundred mcg per day. molybdenum But children under ten years of age only need between fifteen and one hundred and fifty micrograms. microelement, depending on body weight and size.
If you suffer from impotence or tooth decay, then you need to increase the dose of molybdenum you take.
Scientists were able to find out that for normal human well-being, the body can absorb a smaller dose of molybdenum than is commonly believed. And this element is best absorbed from green leafy vegetables.

Symptoms of molybdenum deficiency:
A lack of molybdenum in the body is a rare phenomenon, but it is still possible to encounter it. It can develop in a person who receives intravenous nutrition long time. Such people are most often in intensive care or are those who have problems with work gastrointestinal tract. Also, another reason for the deficiency may be vegetarian diet, which is unbalanced and has defects. Because of this, the absorption process in the ventricle is disrupted, as a result of which a person may suffer from this type of disease.
Children who already have a chronic deficiency of this trace element may be susceptible to various pathologies, for example, as a violation of the functioning and development of the brain, the development of mental retardation and vision problems. In addition, a lack of molybdenum in the body increases the chance of developing esophageal cancer.

Main symptoms:
Excessive excitability and irritability
Constant nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath
Development of caries
Tachycardia
Risk of onset of impotence
Coma

As a result of deficiency, protein metabolism is disrupted, during which work decreases. immune system and the person begins to lose body weight. The skin and muscles begin to sag, becoming flabby. Swelling appears.
The process of hair loss and the appearance of fungal diseases on the nails may begin.

Symptoms of excess molybdenum:
Molybdenum is a toxic substance. Maximum dose for humans it is approximately 5 milligrams. At a dose of fifty milligrams - death. But it is quite difficult to create a situation of excess of this substance.

Symptoms:
Irritability of mucous membranes
Intestinal disorders
Increased acidity in urine
A sharp decrease in body weight
Stunting
Urolithiasis disease
Pneumoconiosis

To avoid an overdose of a trace element in your body, you need to properly monitor your diet and lifestyle.
If you notice any symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. You will be prescribed medications that contain copper and sulfur. In addition, you will have to increase your consumption of foods containing such elements, and eliminate foods containing molybdenum from your diet.

What products contain molybdenum:
Carrots, garlic, gooseberries, cauliflower, melon, watermelon, mushrooms, seafood and dairy products contain increased concentration molybdenum

playing key role in many biological processes of the human body. It works as a cofactor for enzymes and helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. A person gets molybdenum mainly from food and needs a small amount of it. The main sources of the mineral: vegetables, legumes, cereals, nuts. Molybdenum deficiency leads to health problems.

Why is molybdenum important for health? Firstly, it is a catalyst for various enzymes. Secondly, it is involved in the destruction of proteins and amino acids, which is very important for proper operation body. This mineral activates enzymes with antioxidant properties. They, in turn, struggle with free radicals causing cell damage. Thanks to molybdenum, the risk of many diseases, such as cancer, is reduced. Another significant function is to help in the processing and removal of “waste” from the human body.

How much molybdenum does a person need? The recommended dose is 45 micrograms per day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need about 50 micrograms per day. However, the average intake of this mineral is significantly higher for most people. Therefore, cases of molybdenum deficiency are rare. An overdose can be toxic to humans and lead to organ damage, gout, neurological dysfunctions and cramps.

Molybdenum prevents anemia. Anemia is a condition characterized by insufficient levels of red blood cells. These cells are extremely important as they are responsible for transporting oxygen to various bodies. Molybdenum works with riboflavin (vitamin B2) to integrate iron into hemoglobin, promoting the production of red blood cells.

Molybdenum relieves allergies and asthma. Allergic reactions and asthma can be caused by sulfites (salts of sulfurous acid) in people who are especially sensitive to these chemicals. Molybdenum converts sulfites into sulfates (minerals and sulfuric acid salts), which are harmless to the body.

Molybdenum helps in detoxification of the body. Acetaldehyde – poisonous substance, which is produced in the body as by-product vital activity of yeast fungi. Its presence increases the risk of developing certain diseases. Molybdenum is involved in the exchange fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and also reduces intoxication.

Molybdenum and dental health. Tooth enamel contains a large number of this mineral, one of the functions of which is protection against caries. Molybdenum increases the effect of fluoride on teeth, strengthening them and keeping them healthy for a long time.

Molybdenum may prevent cancer. Tetrathiomolybdate (a form of molybdenum) is considered useful in treating cancer diseases. It eases the effects of chemotherapy. For example, in north-central China oncological diseases very common, due to the low concentration of molybdenum in the soil.

Molybdenum for the treatment of Wilson's disease. Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder characterized by an accumulation of copper in the body. This leads to brain and liver damage, as well as various neurological complications. Tetrathiomolybdate reduces copper toxicity.

Molybdenum relieves pain. Taking drugs containing molybdenum improves general state body, facilitates pain symptoms. They are prescribed to patients suffering from lumbago, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of molybdenum deficiency

Most people receive daily required amount this important mineral from food. Cases of molybdenum deficiency occur rarely and predominantly with intravenous nutrition or genetic diseases. People whose diet consists primarily of refined or processed foods also low levels molybdenum Symptoms associated with mineral deficiency: increased heart rate and breathing, sexual dysfunction in older men, maxillofacial problems.

Molybdenum overdose

Molybdenum is considered a safe and non-toxic mineral, even if it is daily norm exceeded. Its intake is too high (more than 2000 micrograms per day) during long period may still be toxic and lead to the development of gout, joint inflammation, rash, dizziness, and disruption of the nervous system.

Molybdenum (Mo) is a microelement that ensures detoxification of the body and is a cofactor for enzymes that regulate this the most important process. A person needs 75-250 mcg of molybdenum per day, although some experts believe that one can limit it to 0.4 mcg/day. Why does the body need molybdenum, in what quantity and in what products?

Of all incoming Mo, almost 80% is absorbed. The trace element is bound by proteins and distributed throughout the body. It does not accumulate in tissues, and most of it is excreted in the urine.

For the first time, the effect of molybdenum on physiological processes in the human body was discovered in 1953. The trace element has proven to be essential for the effectiveness of vitamin C and other antioxidants, an important element for cellular respiration, amino acid metabolism and nitrogen accumulation.

Molybdenum is an integral part of enzymes, without which the metabolism of uric acid is impossible.

• Without it, the strength characteristics of tooth enamel deteriorate;
• it helps retain fluoride in tissues;
• affects iron metabolism;
• helps to activate the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids, and they are necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system and especially its brain.

Mo antagonists include sodium, lead and tungsten. With a lack of iron and copper, its content increases.

Sources of Molybdenum

Rich in molybdenum:

• nuts;
• berries;
• fruits: cherries, persimmons, cherries, apricots;
• vegetables;
• cereals;
• bakery products.

There is little Mo in fish and fats.

Molybdenum deficiency

Symptoms of Mo deficiency:

• high risk of developing cancer in the esophagus;
• tachycardia;
• vitamin deficiency A and night blindness;
• anxiety;
• nervous excitability.

Molybdenum deficiency leads to a decrease protective functions body.

Mo deficiency occurs in those who are most often exposed to stress, as well as those who receive parenteral nutrition.

It was found that in people with metabolic disorders, cysteine ​​(a sulfur-containing amino acid) was almost completely absent from the tissues of Mo. These patients had problems brain activity, lens dislocation, uric acid metabolism disorders, which ultimately led to death.

In some regions globe There are endemic pathologies associated with molybdenum deficiency. They are accompanied big amount people with esophageal cancer and are observed in some provinces of South Africa and China. Molybdenum gout was first described in Armenia and was caused by Mo deficiency in the soil.

Excess molybdenum

Excess Mo with a dose of 10-15 mg per day is accompanied by signs of intoxication. This increases the risk of developing gout and uric acid accumulation. This occurs in those who come into contact with Mo at work.

Intoxication associated with molybdenum can also be chronic. In such patients, weight loss occurs and irritation of the mucous membranes is observed.

Table of molybdenum content in food products

Molybdenum– a chemical element of D.I. Mendeleev’s table with atomic number – 42. This is a simple substance, which is a transitional refractory metal that has a light gray color. Externally it resembles lead. In the production of copper, molybdenum is obtained.

The earth's crust, seas and rivers (deep parts), coal, plant ash, and oil all contain molybdenum.

The most important molybdenum mineral is molybdenite, and there are 20 of them in total.
There are Molybdenum deposits in Armenia, Russia, America (Canada, Chile, Mexico) and Norway.

The most common application of molybdenum is metallurgy. The chemical, oil refining and paint industries also use this metal.

The human body should contain no more than 5 mg of molybdenum. The following organs contain it most: brain, kidneys, thyroid And bone. It enters our body with food or through the air. Absorbed through the intestines and excreted through the kidneys and bile.

IN medical purposes radioisotopes of molybdenum are used. They are used to carry out scanning procedures of internal organs.

Without molybdenum, our body will definitely fail, since it “manages” the enzymes responsible for metabolic processes in the body, without which the uniform redistribution of all useful substances is impossible.

Some modern scientists argue that the absence of molybdenum does not make it possible for life to arise on Mars.

What useful benefits does molybdenum perform?

• participates in tissue respiration;
• an important component in the synthesis of amino acids;
• affects the growth of the body;
• prevention of anemic conditions;
• increases chlorophyll content;
• is part of enzyme substances;
• participates in nitrogen metabolism;
• supports normal microflora intestines;
• exhibits antitoxic effect;
• helps strengthen teeth by retaining fluoride in the body;
• participates in the metabolism of certain vitamins;
• influence on metabolism is one of the main functions;
• synthesizes ascorbic acid;
• stabilizes hormonal levels;
• prevention of gout.

Signs of molybdenum deficiency in the body

Molybdenum deficiency is rare. It can be triggered by a vegetarian diet, increased content tungsten in the body, and parenteral nutrition. At this state the following symptoms occur:

• the emergence of a tendency to oncological processes;
• development of impotence;
• vomit;
• accelerated pulse;
• pathological changes in the lens;
• dental problems;
• night blindness;
• fungal diseases;
• dyspnea;
• nervous excitability;
• nausea;
• gout;
• violation of orientation in space;
• coma.

If you are deficient in molybdenum, consult a nutritionist and therapist.

Is excess dangerous?

Everything is good in moderation. This essence applies to any mineral, including molybdenum. Critical dose microelement in the body is more than 5 mg, and exceeding 50 mg is deadly.

Excessive amounts of molybdenum can enter the human body through water, dietary supplements, and through industrial contact with the substance.

Some of our citizens, showing increased interest to their health, they uncontrollably drink all kinds of vitamins, minerals and various “healthy” drugs that distributors offer them. As a result of such “vitaminization” of the body, people “drive” their health into a dead end.

Symptoms of excess molybdenum:

• gout;
• dark spots;
• slow growth;
• violation of the structure of lung tissue;
• damage to mucous membranes;
• bladder stones;
• malfunction of the digestive system;
• kidney diseases.

To correct excess molybdenum, drugs based on sulfur and ( unithiol And sodium thiosulfate), and also carry out therapy aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disease. It is necessary to limit the consumption of foods rich in this microelement.

Molybdenum in food

Sources of replenishment: in order to compensate for the missing amount of the mineral, include the following foods in your diet:

• dairy products;
• legumes;
• garlic;
• cereals;
• mushrooms;
• carrot;
• green vegetables;
• watermelons;
• cabbage;
• seafood;
• liver.

Molybdenum preparations

Active molybdenum – used for anemia, gout, obesity, intoxication and other pathologies. Replenishes the lack of molybdenum in the body.

Molybdenum glycinate – biological additive based on molybdenum, used for its deficiency.

All drugs for the treatment of deficiency or excess of molybdenum are taken as prescribed by a doctor, after passing necessary diagnostics. The normal level of molybdenum in the blood is 30–700 nmol/l.

If you have any symptoms that cause you pain, consult your doctor immediately. Don't rely on Russian maybe! Take care of your health!