Molybdenum

Source

Molybdenum is found in legumes, milk, nuts, eggs, meat and cereals, such as bread.

Effect

• Important for development and breakdown of certain amino acids (with sulfur).
• Essential part of enzymes. Molybdenum is only found in enzymes which are needed for metabolism.
• Plays a role in normal growth and development.
• Can prevent anemia, tooth decay and impotence.
• Works together with vitamin B2 to include iron in hemoglobin (a protein found in blood and gives it a red color) and it supports the production of red blood cells. Molybdenum also helps in the uptake of oxygen into red blood cells.

Shortage

Negative effects of a shortage of molybdenum in humans have so far not been found.

Overdose

It’s very unlikely that a person receives too much molybdenum via food. If this happens, it can lead to additional loss of copper in the urine.

Considerations

• The amount of molybdenum in vegetable products depends on the molybdenum content of the soil.

Facts

• Molybdenum was discovered in 1778 by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele.
• The term ‘molybdenum’ is derived from the Greek word molybdos (looking like lead).
• In the periodic table of elements, molybdenum has the symbol Mo and atomic number 41. The color is gray.