Molybdenum (as Sodium Molybdate)

Primary uses

• Cofactor for sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and aldehyde oxidase
• Support for detoxification pathways
• Uric acid metabolism and purine catabolism
• Inactivation of aldehydes and sulfites

How it works

• Essential cofactor in molybdenum hydroxylases (MoCo-dependent enzymes)
• Facilitates oxidation of sulfite, xanthine, and other substrates
• Critical in Phase I and Phase III detoxification

Dosage

Typical range

25–45 mcg daily (RDA for adults)

Timing

With meals

With food

Food may enhance absorption

Duration

Safe for long-term supplementation at recommended levels; upper limit is 2 mg/day

Special populations

Individuals consuming high amounts of sulfites or exposed to occupational molybdenum dust may have altered requirements

Forms

• Sodium molybdate· 70/100
• Molybdenum glycinate· 70/100
• Molybdenum proteinate· 70/100

Safety

Common side effects

• Virtually no side effects at recommended intake levels
• Very high doses may cause gout-like symptoms (due to elevated uric acid) or copper deficiency

Contraindications

• History of gout or hyperuricemia (molybdenum increases xanthine oxidase activity)
• Copper deficiency (high molybdenum may further impair copper status)

Evidence notes

Molybdenum is an established essential mineral with well-characterized enzymatic roles. Deficiency is extremely rare and has documented clinical consequences; adequacy is supported by biochemical research.

Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.

Related in Mineral

• Copper (as Cupric Oxide)A
• Manganese (as Manganese Sulfate)A
• Chromium (as Chromium Chloride)B
• Iodine (as Fermented Iodine Glycinate)A
• Molybdenum (as Molybdenum Glycinate Chelate)C
• BoronB