element. Molybdenum cofactor deficiency disorder is
severe and usually results in premature death in early
childhood since all of the molybdenum cofactor–
dependent enzymes are affected. Isolated sulfite oxi-
dase deficiency only affcets sulfite oxidase activity.
Together, molybdenum cofactor deficiency and iso-
lated sulfite oxidase deficiency have been diagnosed
in more than 100 individuals worldwide. They are,
however, both inherited disorders and there are no
documented cases of their ever occurring as a result
of dietary molybdenum deficiency.
Interactions
Studies have shown that high doses of molybdate
inhibit the metabolism of acetaminophen in rats.
However, it is not known whether this occurs at clin-
ically relevant doses in humans. High doses of molyb-
date may also lower the absorption of copper.
Likewise, high doses of copper may lower the absorp-
tion of molybdenum and decrease overall molybde-
num levels.Aftercare
There is only one report of acute poisoning result-
ing from intake of a dietary molybdenum supplement.
The person consumed a total dose of 13.5 mg of
molybdenum over a period of 18 days, at an intake
rate of 300–800mg daily, resulting in visual and audi-
tory hallucinations, several petit mal seizures and one
grand mal seizure. The subject was treated with chela-
tion therapy to remove the molybdenum from his
body and his symptoms disappeared after several
hours.ComplicationsWith molybdenum deficiency being extremely
unlikely, molybdenum–related complications are onlyinto the body or detoxified and excreted from the
body.
Micronutrients—Nutrients needed by the body
in small amounts. They include vitamins and
miberals.
Molybdenum cofactor deficiency—An inherited
disorder in which deficiency of the molybdenum
cofactor causes deficiency of a variety of enzymes,
resulting in severe neurological abnormalities, dis-
located ocular lenses, mental retardation, xanthinu-
ria, and early death.
Molybdopterin—The chemical group associated with
the molybdenum atom of the molybdenum cofactor
found in molybdenum–containing enzymes.
Nucleotide—A subunit of DNA or RNA consisting
of a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, thymine,
or cytosine in DNA; adenine, guanine, uracil, or
cytosine in RNA), a phosphate molecule, and a
sugar molecule (deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in
RNA).
Plasma—The liquid part of the blood and lymphatic
fluid, which makes up about half of its volume. It is
92% water, 7% protein and 1% minerals.
Protein—Biological molecules that consist of strings
of smaller units called amino acids, the ‘‘building
blocks’’ of proteins. In proteins, amino acids are
linked together in sequence as polypeptide chainsthat fold into compact shapes of various sizes. Pro-
teins are required for the structure, function, and
regulation of the body’s cells, tissues, and organs,
and each protein has unique functions.
Purines—Components of certain foods that are trans-
formed into uric acid in the body.
Pyrimidine—A nitrogen–containing, double–ring,
basic compound that occurs in nucleic acids.
Recommended dietary allowance (RDA)—The lev-
els of intake of essential nutrients judged on the
basis of scientific knowledge to be adequate to
meet the nutrient needs of healthy persons by the
Food and Nutrition Board of the National
Research Council/National Academy of Sciences.
The RDA is updated periodically to reflect new
knowledge. It is popularly called the Recom-
mended Daily Allowance.
Toxic—Harmful or poisonous substance.
Toxin—A poisonous substance, especially a protein,
that is produced by living cells or organisms and is
capable of causing disease.
Trace minerals—Minerals needed by the body in
small amounts. They include: selenium, iron, zinc,
copper, manganese, molybdenum, chromium,
arsenic, germanium, lithium, rubidium, tin.
Vitamin E—A fat–soluble vitamin essential for good
health found chiefly in plant leaves, and wheat.Molybdenum