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Book chapter2022Peer reviewed

Molybdenum

Albin, M.; Oskarsson, A.

Abstract

Molybdenum is an essential element, required as a component of enzymes involved in, that is, the catabolism of sulfur amino acids and nucleotides. Dietary recommendations have been established and human intake is usually within the range of the recommendations. Soluble molybdenum compounds are readily absorbed when ingested, and data supporting absorption after inhalation have also been presented in experimental animals and occupationally exposed humans. The highest molybdenum concentrations are found in the kidneys and liver. Excretion, primarily through the urine, is rapid. The biological half-life in blood ranges from a few hours to a few days.The metabolism of molybdenum is affected by copper and sulfur intake. In livestock, chronic molybdenum poisoning (known as teart disease) is caused by feed high in molybdenum and low in copper. Symptoms include anemia, gastrointestinal disturbances, bone disorders, and growth retardation.In laboratory animals, excessive molybdenum may give rise to morphological and functional changes in the kidneys. Reproductive toxicity of molybdenum has been reported, but not reproduced in more recent OECD guideline studies. Molybdenum trioxide was carcinogenic to animals (mice and rats) in long-term GLP studies. Lung fibrosis was observed at high doses.Increased blood uric acid values and gout-like symptoms have been reported among exposed workers, as well as among the general population living in an area with a high-molybdenum and low-copper content in the soil and vegetables. Epidemiological studies indicate an accelerated decline in glomerular filtration rate, also impaired semen quality and an increased risk for stroke have been reported but remain to be confirmed.Molybdenum toxicity and essentiality have been reviewed, that is, by Novotny (2011), World Health Organization (WHO, 2011), Mendel and Kruse (2012), EFSA (2013), IARC (2019), and ATSDR (2020).

Keywords

Cancer; Copper; Interactions; Intoxication; Kidney; Molybdate; Molybdenum; Reproductive

Title: Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals : Volume II: Specific Metals
ISBN: 978-0-12-822946-0, eISBN: 978-0-12-822946-0
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Pharmacology and Toxicology

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-822946-0.00021-0

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/129769