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Molybdenum Krebs Complex

Also known as: Molybdenum Krebs Complex, Molybdenum citrate complex, Molybdenum organic complex

Overview

Molybdenum Krebs Complex is a coordination compound of molybdenum (Mo) with organic acids from the Krebs cycle, such as citrate, malate, or succinate. It is designed as a trace mineral supplement to provide molybdenum in a highly bioavailable form. Molybdenum is an essential trace element vital for the function of several enzymes involved in the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids, purines, and drugs. While molybdenum's biological role is well-established, specific research on the Krebs complex form is limited, with most evidence extrapolated from general molybdenum biochemistry and studies on other molybdenum complexes. It is primarily used to correct molybdenum deficiency and support enzymatic functions, with ongoing investigation into potential anticancer and neuroprotective effects.

Benefits

Molybdenum Krebs Complex primarily supports essential enzymatic functions. Molybdenum is a crucial cofactor for enzymes like xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, sulfite oxidase, and mitochondrial amidoxime-reducing component (mARC), which are vital for metabolic homeostasis, purine degradation, and sulfite detoxification. Supplementation can correct molybdenum deficiency and restore these enzymatic activities. In vitro studies suggest potential secondary benefits, including anticancer activity, with some molybdenum complexes showing dose-dependent cytotoxicity against human liver and colon carcinoma cell lines, possibly through DNA binding and oxidative stress induction. Additionally, molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles have shown promise in inhibiting amyloid-beta aggregation, a process linked to Alzheimer's disease, in laboratory settings. However, these anticancer and neuroprotective effects are currently limited to in vitro and preclinical models, and there are no high-quality clinical trials to support these benefits in humans for the Krebs complex form.

How it works

Molybdenum Krebs Complex functions by providing bioavailable molybdenum, which acts as an essential cofactor in molybdoenzymes. These enzymes, including xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, sulfite oxidase, and mitochondrial amidoxime-reducing component (mARC), catalyze critical oxidation-reduction reactions. These reactions are fundamental for purine degradation, detoxification of sulfites, and metabolism of various drugs. By participating in these redox processes, molybdenum influences metabolic pathways primarily in the liver, kidneys, and mitochondria, contributing to overall redox homeostasis. The organic ligand chelation in the Krebs complex form is believed to enhance molybdenum absorption compared to inorganic salts, thereby improving its delivery to these enzymatic systems, though direct comparative pharmacokinetic data are not yet available.

Side effects

Molybdenum is generally considered safe at nutritional doses, with toxicity being rare and typically associated with very high exposures. At typical supplement doses, common side effects are not well-documented. Some individuals might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, though this is uncommon. Rare side effects, particularly at excessive doses, can include gout-like symptoms due to altered purine metabolism. Molybdenum can interact with copper metabolism; for instance, tetrathiomolybdate is used therapeutically to treat copper overload, indicating that molybdenum compounds can influence metal homeostasis. Therefore, caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing copper deficiency or disorders of purine metabolism. Safety data for pregnant or lactating individuals are limited, and it is generally contraindicated in these populations without medical supervision.

Dosage

The estimated dietary requirement for molybdenum in adults is approximately 45 mcg/day. Typical supplement doses for molybdenum range from 75 to 250 mcg/day. However, specific dosing guidelines for the Molybdenum Krebs Complex are not standardized due to limited research. The upper intake level (UL) for molybdenum is set at 2 mg (2000 mcg) per day to prevent toxicity. There are no specific timing considerations, but it is generally recommended to take molybdenum supplements with meals to enhance absorption. The Krebs complex form is hypothesized to offer better bioavailability compared to inorganic salts due to its organic ligand chelation, but definitive comparative dosing recommendations are not yet established. While no specific cofactors are required, maintaining balanced mineral nutrition is important for overall efficacy.

FAQs

Is Molybdenum Krebs Complex more bioavailable than inorganic molybdenum?

It is likely more bioavailable due to organic ligand chelation, which can improve absorption. However, direct comparative human studies are currently lacking to confirm this definitively.

Can Molybdenum Krebs Complex be used for cancer treatment?

In vitro studies show some molybdenum complexes have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. However, there is no clinical evidence to support its use as a cancer therapy in humans.

Is Molybdenum Krebs Complex safe for long-term use?

At nutritional doses, it is generally considered safe for long-term use. However, excessive intake can lead to adverse effects, so adherence to recommended dosages is crucial.

Does Molybdenum Krebs Complex help with neurodegenerative diseases?

Experimental data suggest some molybdenum compounds might inhibit amyloid aggregation, a process linked to Alzheimer's. However, clinical evidence in humans for neurodegenerative diseases is currently absent.

Research Sources

https://ijsrm.humanjournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/4.Carla-Sousa-Carla-Moutinho-Ana-F.-Vinha-Carla-Matos.pdf – This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of molybdenum complexes on human liver (HEPG2) and colon (HCT116) carcinoma cell lines using an MTT assay. The results indicated that molybdenum complexes exhibited higher cytotoxicity compared to the ligands alone, suggesting potential anticancer effects attributed to DNA binding and inhibition of replication. The study was limited to in vitro experiments, and no clinical trials or randomized controlled trials were conducted.
https://saudijournals.com/media/articles/SIJCMS_411_326-329c.pdf – Hussein et al. synthesized various molybdenum(VI) complexes and assessed their anticancer activity in vitro against human cancer cell lines. The findings demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with IC50 values indicating potential anticancer properties. The study's limitations include the absence of in vivo or clinical data and the use of small sample sizes, highlighting the need for further research.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11275037/ – This comprehensive review highlights molybdenum's essential biological role as a cofactor in various enzymes, such as mARC, which are critical for metabolic homeostasis. The review consolidates extensive biochemical and molecular data regarding molybdenum's function in the body. However, it does not include clinical trials or studies specifically addressing the efficacy or safety of molybdenum supplementation in humans.