Molybdenum & Pregnancy

Function

According to healthsupplementsnutritionalguide.com, molybdenum is a trace mineral found in the bones, liver and kidneys. It plays a vital role in the excretion of urine and also facilitates detoxification of the liver.

Symptoms of Deficiency

Although a molybdenum deficiency is rare, a pregnant woman who is not absorbing an adequate amount of molybdenum may experience increased heart rate, night blindness, mouth or gum disorders or sensitivity to sulfites.

Causes of Deficiency

Molybdenum is found in foods grown in nutrient-rich soil. Pregnant women whose diets consist mainly of processed or refined foods may not get enough molybdenum.

Women who have a genetic problem that prevents them from absorbing the molybdenum mineral or who have undergone a prolonged intravenous feeding may also be deficient in molybdenum.

Prevention

Pregnant women should take a prenatal multivitamin daily to ensure they are receiving an adequate amount of molybdenum. Also, chickpeas, pinto beans, dried peas, brown rice, cereal grains, whole grains, liver, nuts, low fat milk and green leafy vegetables are good sources of molybdenum.