| Gender | Age | Intake |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Male | 2 mcg/day |
| 0-6 months | Female | 2 mcg/day |
| 7-12 months | Male | 3 mcg/day |
| 7-12 months | Female | 3 mcg/day |
| 1-3 years | Male | 17 mcg/day |
| 1-3 years | Female | 17 mcg/day |
| 3-7 years | Male | 22 mcg/day |
| 3-7 years | Female | 22 mcg/day |
| 7-11 years | Male | 34 mcg/day |
| 7-11 years | Female | 34 mcg/day |
| 11-18 years | Male | 43 mcg/day |
| 11-18 years | Female | 43 mcg/day |
| 19 years and older | Male | 45 mcg/day |
| 19 years and older | Female | 45 mcg/day |
| Pregnant and lactating women | Female | 50 mcg/day |
This trace element is contained mostly in kidneys, bones, liver, and glands. In very small amounts it is also present in spleen, muscles, skin, and lungs.
In the human body, molybdenum is necessary for breaking down amino acids and serves as a cofactor of various enzymes. It also promotes metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
Molybdenum is said to reduce the risk of having tooth decay. It can also help in treating liver disease, allergies, acne, insomnia, eczema, lupus, and many other health issues.
Lack of molybdenum is very rare and occurs in malnourished people. It can cause kidney stones, gout, impotence, and cancer.
Molybdenum can be unsafe when consumed in high concentrations. It happens when a person takes too many supplements. Its excess can lead to gout.
Legumes, leafy vegetables, cereals, beans, and peas are rich of molybdenum, but the amount of this mineral depends also on the soil in which the products have been grown. Animal foods, like liver and beef, contain it too, but they are considered to be poor sources of molybdenum.
Over 90% of the eaten mineral is eliminated with urine.
Avoid taking molybdenum supplements if you have gout. It can make it worse.