Molybdenum is known to function as a cofactor for three enzymes. Two of the enzymes (xanthine oxidase, aldehydes oxidase) play a role in serving as antioxidants and detoxifying agents in the body.
The third enzyme, sulfite oxidase, catalyses a reaction that is necessary for the metabolism of sulfur containing amino acids, such as cysteine.
Xanthine oxidase is important in metabolism purines while aldehydes oxidase is important in catalyzes the conversion of acids for aldehydes.
Xanthine oxidase plays an important role in the normal functioning of the liver. During severe liver damage, xanthine oxidase is released into blood, so a blood assay for xanthine is a way to determine of liver damage has happened.
Molybdenum also may protect steroid hormone against inactivation. Molybdenum is also involved in the chemical reactions that from bone, cartilage and blood.
Epidemiologic studies in Hungary, New Zealand and Columbia suggest that molybdenum may decrease the incidence of dental carries.
Functions of molybdenum in human body
