Does the Micronutrient Molybdenum Have a Role in Gestational Complications and Placental Health?

Abstract

Molybdenum is an essential trace element for human health and survival, with molybdenum-containing enzymes catalysing multiple reactions in the metabolism of purines, aldehydes, and sulfur-containing amino acids. Recommended daily intakes vary globally, with molybdenum primarily sourced through the diet, and supplementation is not common. Although the benefits of molybdenum as an anti-diabetic and antioxidant inducer have been reported in the literature, there are conflicting data on the benefits of molybdenum for chronic diseases. Overexposure and deficiency can result in adverse health outcomes and mortality, although physiological doses remain largely unexplored in relation to human health. The lack of knowledge surrounding molybdenum intake and the role it plays in physiology is compounded during pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, micronutrient demand increases, and diet is an established factor in programming gestational outcomes and maternal health. This review summarises the current literature concerning varied recommendations on molybdenum intake, the role of molybdenum and molybdoenzymes in physiology, and the contribution these play in gestational outcomes.

Inverse association between maternal serum concentrations of trace elements and risk of spontaneous preterm birth: a nested case–control study in China

“…Two reports found maternal urinary Mo concentrations to be positively associated with lipid peroxidation biomarkers 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-isoPGF2α) and the oxidative DNA damage biomarker 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the third trimester (63,64) . A review reported that Mo supplementation might ameliorate the oxidative stress and reduction in antioxidant enzymes that accompanied gestational diabetes mellitus (65) . It can therefore be suggested that Sr or Mo levels rise when some kind of oxidative damage exists, and this elevation attempts in some way to restore the balance between the organism's defence and its oxidative damage and reduce the risk of SPTB.…”

“…A large number of studies have found that Sr could suppress inflammation (68,69) . A review reported that the heightened inflammation that accompanies gestational diabetes mellitus might be ameliorated by a Mo supplementation (65) . Therefore, it is speculated that Sr and Mo could reduce the occurrence of SPTB by decreasing the inflammation during the pregnancy.…”