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Molybdenum is a trace mineral essential for the formation of uric acid, a form of waste that is excreted as urine. If the body has too much molybdenum, it produces too much uric acid; if the body has too little molybdenum, it produces too little uric acid. When levels of uric acid exceed the amount the kidneys can process, it collects in the blood and settles in the joints, where it crystallizes and causes gout. In addition, molybdenum is essential for the utilization of iron, metabolism of carbohydrates, and the detoxification of sulfites.

Good Food Sources: Whole grains, meats, legumes. Note: Actual levels of molybdenum in these foods varies, depending on the mineral content of the soil in the region where the food is produced.

Signs of Deficiency: Molybdenum deficiency is exceedingly rare; possible symptoms include rapid heartbeat and night blindness.

Uses of Molybdenum: Molybdenum is used to treat gout.

Dosage Information: The government has not established an RDA for molybdenum. A safe and adequate range is considered 100 to 500 milligrams per day. Molybdenum is commercially available as sodium molybdate.

Possible Side Effects: Excessive levels of molybdenum (levels of 5,000 to 10,000 milligrams per day) have been known to cause gout.

Possible Interactions: None known.