Molybdenum

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Molybdenum
- Mo (chemical symbol)

Latin Name: N/A (mineral element)

Category: Mineral

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Not traditionally supplemented as an isolated mineral before modern nutrition science
• Recognized historically through regional health patterns linked to soil molybdenum content
• Chinese researchers noted connection between low-molybdenum soils and high esophageal cancer rates in Linxian region

Modern Uses

• Enzyme Cofactor Support - Essential for function of three key enzyme systems | Research quality: Strong
• Key findings: Required cofactor for sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and aldehyde oxidase

• Source citations: Brewer, TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins; Institute of Medicine DRIs

• Sulfite Sensitivity Support - Helps convert sulfites to sulfates for excretion | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: As a key component of sulfite oxidase enzyme, molybdenum enables the body to convert sulfites into sulfates that can be excreted through urine

• Source citations: Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing

• Detoxification Support - Involved in processing sulfur-containing amino acids | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Supports metabolism of sulfur-containing compounds including methionine and cysteine

• Source citations: Brewer, TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins

• Iron Metabolism - Plays a role in iron utilization | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Involved in the metabolism of iron alongside carbohydrate, fat, and alcohol metabolism
• Source citations: Brewer, TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Molybdenum (Mo) - The trace element itself, typically provided as molybdenum glycinate, molybdenum citrate, or sodium molybdate in supplements
- Functions as the central metal ion in molybdopterin cofactor (MoCo) required by molybdenum-dependent enzymes

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Tablet or capsule
- Amount: 25-75 mcg per day
- Frequency: Once daily

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Tablet or capsule
- Amount: 150-500 mcg per day
- Purpose: For sulfite sensitivity or targeted enzyme support
- Duration: As directed by healthcare provider

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: 2,000 mcg (2 mg) per day (Tolerable Upper Intake Level for adults)
- Warning threshold: Chronic intake above 10 mg/day may cause gout-like symptoms

Bioavailability Notes:
- Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (approximately 40-100% absorption depending on form)
- Absorption may be reduced by high sulfate intake
- Copper and molybdenum have antagonistic relationship affecting absorption of both

How to Take It

Timing:
- Can be taken any time of day
- May be taken with or without food
- Often included in multivitamin/mineral formulas (typically 25-75 mcg)

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. B Vitamins - Support overall metabolic processes | Enhanced cellular metabolism
2. Iron - Molybdenum supports iron metabolism | Improved iron utilization
3. Zinc - Both trace minerals support enzyme function | Comprehensive mineral support

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. High-dose Copper - Copper and molybdenum are antagonistic; high copper intake increases molybdenum excretion | Potential molybdenum deficiency

Drug Interactions:
1. None well-documented - Molybdenum has few known significant drug interactions | Monitor if taking medications affecting mineral absorption | Severity level: Mild

Food Interactions:
- High sulfate intake may compete with molybdenum absorption
- Not typically a concern at normal dietary levels

Safety Information

Contraindications:
- Individuals with copper deficiency (molybdenum may further reduce copper levels)
- Gout (high doses may increase uric acid production via xanthine oxidase activity)

Side Effects:
- Rare at recommended doses
- High doses (10-15 mg/day) may cause gout-like symptoms due to elevated uric acid
- Excessive intake may interfere with copper metabolism

Long-Term Use:
- Safe at recommended doses for extended periods
- No cycling typically required
- Monitor copper status if taking high doses long-term

Special Precautions:
- Pregnancy/Lactation: Safe at RDA levels (50 mcg/day); avoid exceeding Upper Limit
- Kidney disease: Consult healthcare provider as kidneys regulate molybdenum excretion

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Enzyme cofactor support, sulfite sensitivity, detoxification support

Secondary: Iron metabolism support, general mineral supplementation as part of comprehensive formulas

Sources

Local Library:
- Brewer, Sarah - TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins
- Balch, Phyllis - Prescription for Herbal Healing
- Bartram, Thomas - Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
- Moyad, Mark - The Supplement Handbook
- WRCHM - Herb-Drug-Nutrient Interaction (references Institute of Medicine DRIs)

General Knowledge:
- Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc (2001)
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements