Tungsten: Against Gout
Tungsten (W)
Against gout
The role of tungsten in the human body is not fully understood. In terms of its properties, tungsten resembles molybdenum; however, unlike molybdenum, tungsten is not an essential element.
The daily requirement for tungsten in the human body has not been studied. On average, about 0.001–0.015 mg of tungsten is ingested daily through food.
The bioavailability of tungsten and its salts in the human gastrointestinal tract averages 1–10%, while the solubility of tungsten acid is up to 20%.
Accumulation of tungsten primarily occurs in the bones and kidneys. Bone tissue contains 0.00025 mg/kg, and whole blood contains 0.001 mg/L of tungsten. Tungsten is mainly excreted from the body through urine, while 75% of its radioactive isotope 185W is excreted in feces.
Biological role in the human body. Tungsten inhibits the activity of molybdenum-dependent enzymes, such as xanthine oxidase, and as a result, with the accumulation of tungsten salts, the level of uric acid decreases while the levels of xanthine and hypoxanthine increase, which is important to consider in cases of gout.
To date, more than 10 enzymes containing tungsten have been isolated in pure form. For three of them, the DNA regions responsible for their biosynthesis have been identified.
Synergists and antagonists of tungsten. Molybdenum is an antagonist of tungsten.
Signs of tungsten deficiency. Scientific data is lacking.
Chronic exposure to tungsten dust can lead to the development of a clinical syndrome known as “heavy metal disease” or pneumoconiosis. The most common symptoms of this disease include cough, breathing difficulties, atopic asthma, and changes in the lungs. The manifestation of these symptoms usually decreases after changing the workplace or taking a prolonged rest, due to the cessation of contact with this metal. In severe cases, with late diagnosis of the disease, pathology such as “cor pulmonale,” lung fibrosis, and emphysema may develop.
Tungsten is necessary: in cases of gout.
Dietary sources of tungsten: pollen, bee bread.