Description of Molybdenum

Molybdenum is found in soil.

Molybdenum is an essential trace element found in most mammals and plants. You obtain it mostly from foods as it is present in the soil; however, it is often lacking in food due to modern farming techniques and therefore plant deficiencies are becoming more common.

Soil Catalyst

In nature, molybdenum is part of other metal complexes. It works as a catalyst in the soil to the nitrogen-fixing process, which means that soil lacking in molybdenum can lead to decreased plant growth.

Body Functions

The body contains around 9 mg of molybdenum, mostly in the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, bones and skin but it is present in all body tissues. It is easily absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract and is eliminated via bile and through the urine.

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Molybdenum is a vital part of three enzyme systems: aldehyde oxidase, xanthine oxidase and sulfite oxidase. It also plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism and sulfite detoxification along with iron utilization and uric acid formation.

References

• Oregon State University: Micronutrient Information Center--Molybdenum
• Government of New South Wales: Molybdenum Deficiency in Plants