Molybdenum
Molybdenum activates enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism and helps your body eliminate waste products efficiently.
Molybdenum is a lesser-known trace mineral that plays an important role in detoxification and amino acid metabolism. It activates several enzymes that help break down sulfur-containing amino acids and remove waste products like sulfites and uric acid from the body.
Deficiency is extremely rare, but when it occurs — often due to genetic disorders or long-term intravenous feeding without supplementation — it can cause neurological symptoms or irregular heart rhythms. In infants, severe deficiency has been linked to developmental complications.
Fortunately, molybdenum is widely available in foods like legumes, dairy, potatoes, and whole grains. Most people easily meet their daily requirements through diet alone.
Recommended Daily Intake
- Women: 45 micrograms
- Men: 45 micrograms
- Upper Limit: 2,000 micrograms
Deficiency Symptoms
- Seizures, death in infants
- Irregular heart rate in adults
Common Food Sources
- Legumes - black-eyed peas, lima beans, peanuts
- Beef liver
- Dairy - plain yogurt , milk
- Potato with skin
- Fortified whole-grain cereals
- Whole-wheat bread
- Bananas