MINERALS: Molybdenum

Overview of Minerals | Calcium | Chromium | Copper | Iodine | Iron | Magnesium | Zinc | Manganese | Molybdenum | Phosphorus | Potassium | Selenium | Other Trace Elements

Molybdenum

Functions of Molybdenum

• Protects against tooth decay.
• Essential for proper metabolism of fats, carbohydrate & iron.
• May help to protect against certain cancers.

Deficiency of Molybdenum

Molybdenum deficiency is extremely rare and has only been identified in the presence of other serious disorders. Signs of deficiency include iIrritability and irregular heartbeat.

Recommended dietary allowance for Molybdenum

See Recommended dietary allowances for minerals.

Food sources of Molybdenum

Rich sources of molybdenum include legumes, cereal products, and leafy vegetables. The amount in foods depends on the soil molybdenum content. Molybdenum is very well absorbed, but its bioavailability may be affected by some food components.

Toxicity of Molybdenum

Molybdenum toxicity is more likely than deficiency. A high incidence of gout has been reported in humans with intakes of 10-15 mg/day.

References

• Turnlund, J. R., Keyes, W. R. & Peiffer, G. L. (1995) Molybdenum absorption, excretion, and retention studied with stable isotopes in young men at five intakes of dietary molybdenum. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 62: 790-796.
• Rajagopalan, K. V. (1988) Molybdenum: an essential trace element in human nutrition. Ann. Rev. Nutr. 8: 401-427.



Overview of Minerals | Calcium | Chromium | Copper | Iodine | Iron | Magnesium | Zinc | Manganese | Molybdenum | Phosphorus | Potassium | Selenium | Other Trace Elements