In human, molybdenum is part of a complex called molybdenum cofactor, which is required for the three enzymes sulfite oxidase –involved in sulfur containing amino acid metabolism, aldehydes oxidase – catalyses the conversion of aldehydes into acids, and xanthine oxidase –participates in purine- uric acid compound- metabolism.
Molybdenum can protect against tooth decay and it plays an important role in and nitrogen metabolism.
Molybdenum is found mainly in plant products such as cereals, whole grains and legumes.
Organ meat such as liver and kidney also are fairly rich sources, but other meats tend to be poor sources.
Milk and other diary products are good source of molybdenum. As the molybdenum content of plants depends on the soil molybdenum content and other environmental conditions, the molybdenum content of foods can vary considerably.
Foods that have vitamin C must contain molybdenum to activate the vitamin C.
Molybdenum food sources