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Biomonitoring Equivalents for molybdenum
Sean M Hays1, Kristin Macey2, Devika Poddalgoda2
1Summit Toxicology, LLP, Lyons, CO 90540, USA.
Abstract:
Molybdenum is an essential trace element for mammalian, plant, and other animal systems. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has established an Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) to assure sufficient molybdenum intakes for human populations; however excessive exposures can cause toxicity. As a result, several agencies have established exposure guidance values to protect against molybdenum toxicity, including a Reference Dose (RfD), Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) and a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). Biomonitoring for molybdenum in blood or urine in the general population is being conducted by the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Using pharmacokinetic data from controlled human dosing studies, Biomonitoring Equivalents (BEs) were calculated for molybdenum in plasma, whole blood, and urine associated with exposure guidance values set to protect against both nutritional deficits and toxicity. The BEEAR values in plasma, whole blood and urine are 0.5, 0.45 and 22 μg/L, respectively. The BEs associated with toxicity range from 0.9 to 31 μg/L in plasma, 0.8-28 μg/L in whole blood and 200-7500 μg/L in urine. These values can be used to interpret molybdenum biomonitoring data from a nutritional and toxicity perspective.
Insights
Molybdenum is essential but can be toxic. New Biomonitoring Equivalents (BEs) interpret blood and urine molybdenum levels for nutritional needs and toxicity risks in populations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Human Health
Background:
- Molybdenum is an essential trace element with established dietary requirements.
- Excessive molybdenum exposure can lead to toxicity.
- Biomonitoring data from surveys like CHMS and NHANES require interpretation for health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To calculate Biomonitoring Equivalents (BEs) for molybdenum in human plasma, whole blood, and urine.
- To establish reference values for both nutritional adequacy and toxicity.
- To provide a tool for interpreting population biomonitoring data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pharmacokinetic data from controlled human dosing studies.
- Calculated Biomonitoring Equivalents (BEs) based on established nutritional requirements (EAR) and toxicity guidance values (RfD, TDI, UL).
- Determined BEs for plasma, whole blood, and urine.
Main Results:
- Biomonitoring Equivalents for Estimated Average Requirement (BEEAR) were established: 0.5 μg/L (plasma), 0.45 μg/L (whole blood), and 22 μg/L (urine).
- Biomonitoring Equivalents associated with toxicity range from 0.9-31 μg/L (plasma), 0.8-28 μg/L (whole blood), and 200-7500 μg/L (urine).
Conclusions:
- Calculated BEs provide crucial reference points for interpreting population-level molybdenum biomonitoring data.
- These values aid in assessing molybdenum status concerning both nutritional needs and potential toxicity.
- Facilitates better public health risk assessment and management of molybdenum exposure.
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