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Molybdenum metabolism: stable isotope studies in infancy
E Sievers1, K Dörner, D Garbe-Schönberg
1Universitäts-Kinderklinik, Christian-Albrechts-Universität, Kiel, Germany.
Summary
Molybdenum (Mo) is well absorbed by premature infants, with most excreted in urine. This study used 100Mo to inform safe infant dietary recommendations for this essential trace element.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Trace Element Metabolism
Background:
- Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential trace element crucial for molybdoenzyme function.
- Current dietary recommendations for infants are based on limited metabolic data.
- Understanding Mo absorption and excretion in infancy is vital for establishing safe intake levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the absorption and excretion kinetics of molybdenum in premature infants.
- To utilize 100Mo as an extrinsic tag to track Mo metabolism.
- To provide data for refining dietary recommendations for molybdenum in early infancy.
Main Methods:
- Studied 10 premature infants (gestational age 35 weeks, birth weight 2.0 kg).
- Administered 25 microg 100Mo/kg via milk feeds and collected urine/feces for 48-72 hours.
- Analyzed samples using atomic absorption spectroscopy and ICP-MS.
Main Results:
- Median absorption of 100Mo was 97.5%.
- Peak urinary Mo concentration occurred within 8 hours, fecal within 24 hours.
- Observed increased copper excretion in 8 of 9 infants.
Conclusions:
- Oral molybdenum is well absorbed in premature infants.
- Molybdenum is primarily excreted via the urine.
- Dietary recommendations should aim to prevent excessive molybdenum intake in infants.