| Molybdenum deficiency | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Molybdenum | |
| Specialty | Endocrinology  |
Molybdenum deficiency refers to the clinical consequences of inadequate intake ofmolybdenum in thediet.
The amount of molybdenum required is relatively small, and molybdenumdeficiency usually does not occur in natural settings.[1] However, it can occur in individuals receivingparenteral nutrition.[2][3]
Descriptions of human molybdenum deficiency are few. A patient receiving prolongedparenteral nutrition acquired asyndrome described as ‘acquired molybdenum deficiency.’ This syndrome, exacerbated bymethionine administration, was characterized by high blood methionine, low blooduric acid, and low urinaryuric acid andsulfate concentrations. The patient sufferedmental disturbances that progressed to acoma.[1]Pathological changes occurring in individuals with agenetic disease that results in asulfite oxidase (amolybdoenzyme) deficiency include increased plasma and urine sulfite, sulfate,thiosulfate, S-sulfocysteine andtaurine;seizures andbrain atrophy/lesions; dislocated lenses; and death at an early age.
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300 mcgammonium molybdate per day can bring about recovery of acquired molybdenum deficiency.[4]