Molybdenum’s role in liver health and different enzyme functions
Molybdenum is essential for liver detoxification and plays a key role in breaking down proteins, purines, and lipids. It also supports the synthesis of vitamin B12. Studies even suggest that a molybdenum deficiency or poor utilization of the nutrient increases the risk of gout, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer.
Molybdenum is an essential nutrient that serves as a co-factor in various enzymes that are involved in different metabolic processes. One of these enzymes is called xanthin oxidase (XO) and plays a key role in the metabolism of purines and uric acid. Purines are vital cell components, and when cells die the purines are converted into uric acid that is excreted through the kidneys. Most of the purines in our blood originate from the breakdown of the body's own cells. However, purines are also found in red meat, offal, shellfish, fish roe, anchovies, and sardines.
Normally, the body maintains a balance between purine production and excretion. However, in most gout patients, the kidneys excrete too little uric acid, leading to its accumulation in one or more joints. This often results in painful inflammation. Elevated levels of uric acid and gout are seen more frequently in overweight individuals, type 2 diabetics, and people with hypertension or impaired renal function. The use of diuretics or anti-hypertensive medicine, and excess alcohol intake can also trigger an attack.
Xanthin oxidase (XO) plays a key role in the breakdown of medicine and other harmful compounds by generating free radicals. However, if too many free radicals are formed it may result in oxidative stress and dysfunctional organs. The liver is particularly vulnerable. Elevated XO activity is linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Aldehyde oxidases (AO) form another class of enzymes that contain molybdenum. They are also involved in the breakdown of harmful compounds by generating free radicals. They can also counteract the effect of different medical drugs. They contribute to liver damage if their levels are too high.
A third molybdenum enzyme called sulfite oxidase (SOX) helps break down sulfur-containing amino acids. Recent studies suggest that SOX also has potential as a diagnostic marker of hepatocellular carcinoma.
The most recently discovered molybdenum enzyme is mitochondrial amidoxime–reducing component (mARC) and is involved in the breakdown of medicine and other detox reactions.
Molybdenum is generally needed to break down many harmful compounds including sulfites and alcohol.
Molybdenum is primarily found in blood and key organs like the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, and spleen. In these organs, molybdenum-containing enzymes regulate essential metabolic processes that help maintain homeostasis.
Although the body has enough molybdenum under normal circumstances, a deficiency of molybdenum co-factor (MoCD) may occur if there are genetic flaws in several metabolic steps. This can result in malfunctions in enzymes like XO, AO, and SOX, which in turn disrupts the metabolic processes. At the same time, the risk of gout, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and other clinical complications is increased. With some liver ailments, blood levels of molybdenum can be elevated, but the involved mechanisms remain unknown.
In the process of breaking down harmful compounds, molybdenum generates free radicals. It is therefore important to get plenty of protective antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, plus selenium and zinc to protect cells and tissues against free radical damage.
Molybdenum is also involved in the body’s vitamin B12 synthesis and its lipid metabolism. According to the review article, which is published in Biomolecules, a better understanding of molybdenum co-factor (MoCD) and the different molybdenum-containing enzymes may lead to improved diagnoses and therapies. While molybdenum is still not used in medical therapy, it is always a good idea to make sure to get enough of this nutrient from the diet.
Molybdenum sources, requirements, and supplementation
We get molybdenum from garlic, legumes, brown rice, and organ meat. There is also molybdenum in wholegrains, eggs, red bell pepper, lentils, nuts, and dairy products. The molybdenum requirement is still being discussed. According to the Nordic Nutrient Recommendations, adults should get 52 micrograms daily. The estimated average dietary intake of molybdenum is 65 micrograms.
References:
Jakub Piotr Adamus et al. Molybdenum´s Role as an Essential Element in Enzymes Catabolizing Redox Reactions: A Review. 2024
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