possible with molybdenum toxicity that may result in
gout. High molybdenum levels in people with low cop-
per levels may cause copper deficiency symptoms, but
are easily treated with diet readjustments.Parental concerns
The RDA for molybdenum (17–22mg for children)
is sufficient to prevent deficiency. Although the precise
amount of molybdenum required to most likely pro-
mote optimum health is not known, there is presently
no evidence that intakes higher than the RDA are
beneficial. Most people in the United States consume
more than sufficient molybdenum in their diets,
making supplementation unnecessary. If required, it
should be noted that the amount of molybdenum pres-
ently found in most multivitamin/mineral supplements
is higher than the RDA. It is however well below
the tolerable upper intake level of 2,000mg/day and is
generally considered safe.Resources
BOOKS
Bogden, J., ed.Clinical Nutrition of the Essential Trace Ele-
ments and Minerals (Nutrition and Health).Totowa,
NJ: Humana Press, 2000.
Challem, J., Brown, L.User’s Guide to Vitamins & Minerals.
Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, 2002.
Garrison, R., Somer, E.The Nutrition Desk Reference.
New York, NY: McGraw–Hill, 1998.
Griffith, H. W.Minerals, Supplements & Vitamins: The
Essential Guide.New York, NY: Perseus Books Group,
2000.Larson Duyff, R.ADA Complete Food and Nutrition Guide,
3rd ed.Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association,
2006.
Newstrom, H.Nutrients Catalog: Vitamins, Minerals, Amino
Acids, Macronutrients—Beneficials Use, Helpers,
Inhibitors, Food Sources, Intake Recommendations.
Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1993.
Quesnell, W. R.Minerals : The Essential Link to Health.
Long Island, NY: Skills Unlimited Press, 2000.
Wapnir, R. A.Protein Nutrition and Mineral Absorption.
Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1990.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Dietetic Association (ADA). 120 South Riverside
Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. 1-800/877-
1600.<www.eatright.org>.
American Society for Nutrition (ASN). 9650 Rockville Pike,
Bethesda, MD 20814. (301) 634-7050.
<www.nutrition.org>.
Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of
Health. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda,
Maryland 20892 USA.<ods.od.nih.gov>.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition
Information Center. National Agricultural
Library,10301 Baltimore Avenue, Room 105, Belts-
ville, MD 20705. (301) 504-5414.<www.nal.
usda.gov>.Monique Laberge, Ph.D.MSUDseeMaple syrup urine disease
MyPyramidseeUSDA Food Guide Pyramid
(MyPyramid)Molybdenum