What is molybdenum? Molybdenum is an important mineral that the body only needs in small amounts to stay healthy. This essential trace element is mainly concentrated in the kidneys, liver, glands and bones of the spine (vertebrae). But it is also found in the skin, muscles, lungs, spleen and tooth enamel. Molybdenum is found in water and soil, and the mineral content of foods depends on the amount of molybdenum present in the soil from which they came. People living in certain areas where the soil contains low amounts of molybdenum have been found to suffer from molybdenum deficiency and are more likely to suffer from certain types of cancer than others. Most of the molybdenum in foods consumed is absorbed in the intestines and exits the body through urine. Food Sources of Molybdenum Excellent nutritional molybdenum comes primarily from plant sources, but the amount varies depending on soil content. Plant foods that contain significant amounts of molybdenum include chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans), green beans, pinto beans, lentils, and dried peas. Other food sources include pork, beef liver, lamb, eggs, wheat flour, cereals, brown rice, sunflower seeds, cucumbers, nuts and dark green leafy vegetables . What is molybdenum used for? Molybdenum also promotes normal cell function. like the whole body. The body uses molybdenum for many important functions, but primarily as a coenzyme that helps catalyze important chemical reactions. It acts as an enzyme cofactor for xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase and sulfite oxidase, which play an important role in carbohydrate metabolism, using iron, uric acid formation and liver detoxification. Molybdenum acts with vitamin B2 (riboflavin) to facilitate incorporation. .... middle of paper ...... Dosage (ug/day) Infants 0-6 months 2 Infants 7-12 months 3 Children 1-3 years 17 Children 4-8 years 229-13 years 3414-18 years 43 Adults 45 Pregnant/lactating women 50Physicians may recommend higher doses when using molybdenum therapeutically, but toxicity levels should be kept in mind.Works CitedHealth Supplements Nutritional Guide. Molybdemus. http://www.healthsupplementsnutritionalguide.com/Molybdenum.htmlWebMD. Molybdenum. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1249-molybdenum.aspx?activeIngredientId=1249&activeIngredientName=molybdenum&source=1Guide to Vitamins and Health Supplements. Molybdenum supplements. http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/dietary-minerals/molybdenum.php