Molybdenum
Molybdenum
TL;DR
Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral needed by three enzymes, but deficiency is almost unheard of outside long-term IV nutrition. Supplementing beyond food offers no demonstrated benefit.
Ideal For
- People on long-term parenteral nutrition, under medical supervision
- People with diagnosed molybdenum cofactor issues managed by a specialist
Avoid If
- You are taking high doses without a diagnosed deficiency
- You have gout or hyperuricaemia, as excess may raise uric acid
- You are at risk of copper deficiency
Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
Molybdenum is a cofactor for sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase. Sulfite oxidase is the clinically important one: it converts sulfite to sulfate, and genetic sulfite oxidase deficiency is a severe neurological disorder. Dietary molybdenum is abundant in legumes, grains and nuts, and absorption is efficient (around 90 percent), so acquired deficiency has only ever been documented in patients on prolonged parenteral nutrition without trace element supplementation. The RDA for adults is 45 mcg per day and typical Western intake is two to four times that. Marketing claims that molybdenum helps sulfite sensitivity, candida die-off or heavy metal detoxification are extrapolated from enzyme biochemistry rather than from human trials, of which there are essentially none in healthy people.
How It Works
- Cofactor for sulfite oxidase, which detoxifies sulfite to sulfate
- Cofactor for xanthine oxidase in purine breakdown to uric acid
- Cofactor for aldehyde oxidase in drug and aldehyde metabolism
- Competes with copper absorption at high intakes, which is the basis of tetrathiomolybdate use in Wilson disease
Quick Facts
- Sulfite metabolism enzyme cofactor
- Supports detoxification
- Purine metabolism
- Rarely deficient
- Helps sulfite sensitivity
Benefits & Outcomes
No linked outcomes yet. Research is ongoing.
Health Concerns Addressed
No linked health concerns yet.
Supporting Research5 studies
Molybdenum: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Dietary molybdenum deficiency has never been documented in healthy people and typical intakes far exceed requirements.
A study of the molybdenum requirement of young men fed controlled diets
Turnlund JR, Keyes WR, Peiffer GL
Molybdenum balance was maintained across a wide intake range through efficient homeostatic regulation.
Assessment of the tolerable upper intake level of molybdenum
EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies
High molybdenum intakes are associated with gout-like symptoms and altered copper metabolism.
Copper-molybdenum antagonism and its clinical relevance: tetrathiomolybdate in Wilson disease
Brewer GJ, Askari F, Lorincz MT
Tetrathiomolybdate depletes copper, illustrating the antagonism between excess molybdenum and copper status.
Molybdenum cofactor deficiency: metabolic basis and treatment with cyclic pyranopterin monophosphate
Schwahn BC, Van Spronsen FJ, Belaidi AA
Molybdenum cofactor deficiency is a genetic disorder treated with cPMP, not with dietary molybdenum.
Safety Information
Potential Side Effects
At normal intakes none. High supplemental doses have been linked to raised uric acid and gout-like joint pain, and can induce copper deficiency.
Contraindications
Avoid high-dose supplementation in gout, and in anyone with marginal copper status.
Drug Interactions
- High doses reduce copper absorption
- Theoretically interacts with drugs metabolised by aldehyde oxidase
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: likely_safe
Breastfeeding: likely_safe
Dosage Guidelines
Dosage Used in Studies
45-100 mcg
Best Time to Take
With or without food
Best Form
Molybdenum glycinate or citrate
Bioavailability
Essential trace mineral. Cofactor for sulfite oxidase and other enzymes. Deficiency rare. Most people get adequate from diet. Supplementation typically unnecessary except in specific metabolic conditions.
Forms Compared
Food & Timing
With food; no timing advantage established.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.