The mineral molybdenum appears to be necessary to life processes in trace amounts and is vital for plants - it is always detected at least in very minute concentrations in all tissues of plants and animals. The element molybdenum is relatively rare as minerals go; however, it is a cofactor in several enzyme systems that take part in bio-chemical energy production, in the formation of urine and in the oxidation of fatty acids. Growth and development of plants is dependent on the availability of trace amounts of this mineral in the soil. The mineral is added to soils to boost the growth of crops and increase livestock production in areas where the soil is deficient in the mineral. The necessity of molybdenum in humans is based on a single report that suggests the possible stimulation of hemoglobin synthesis in the body - when combined with the mineral iron, as part of therapy in individuals affected by anemia. Molybdenum deficiency is not known to occur in humans and animals, while such a scenario is theoretically possible because most of the molybdenum is removed after grains and sugars - common foods - are refined. Molybdenum is available in abundant amounts in food sources including all kinds of legumes, all kinds of dark green and leafy vegetables, grains, all organ meats as well as milk and other dairy products. Molybdenum can also arrive in the body through the use of hard tap water for cooking. Though it is rare in supplemental form, many of the multi-mineral tablets do contain small amounts of the mineral.