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Molybdenum

AEMPS

Trace cofactor of molybdenum-dependent enzymes, supplement and parenteral nutrition component

ATC code: A12CX-MOLYBDENUM

Brand names: Solgar Molybdenum, Multitrace-5, NOW Molybdenum

Updated · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

D

Minerals for general health (supplement marketing)

Not recommended

Molybdenum is an essential trace element and a cofactor for sulfite oxidase and xanthine oxidase. Supplements promote it as a mineral "for general health" and metabolic support. For this use, no convincing benefit has been shown in people who eat a normal diet: true deficiency is very rare (mostly with long-term parenteral nutrition or rare genetic disorders), and a varied diet of legumes, grains, nuts and organ meats covers the body's needs. The element itself is safe at supplement doses, but taking it separately adds nothing for a healthy person.

Sources

  1. NIH ODS: Molybdenum – Fact Sheet for Health Professionals (2022)
  2. EFSA: Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for molybdenum (2013)
  3. EFSA NDA Panel: Health claims related to detoxification – rejected list (2019)
  4. USPSTF: Vitamin, mineral and multivitamin supplementation to prevent CVD and cancer (2022)
How to read tiers A–F
  • AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
  • BRecommended in selected cases
  • CStudy data contradict each other
  • DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
  • FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

Molybdenum is part of the active site of three enzymes: xanthine oxidase (purine breakdown to uric acid), aldehyde oxidase (oxidation of aldehydes and some drugs) and sulfite oxidase (sulfite to sulfate conversion). Adequate intake in adults is 45 mcg/day (NIH ODS); with a balanced diet, deficiency is practically not seen – sources include legumes, nuts, whole grains and vegetables. Isolated deficiency is described only with prolonged total parenteral nutrition lacking trace elements and the rare neonatal molybdenum cofactor deficiency syndrome.

Safety

Contraindications

  • History of gout (molybdenum increases xanthine oxidase activity and uric acid)
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Known hypersensitivity to molybdenum salts

Serious adverse effects

  • Gouty arthritis and raised uric acid after months of intake above 540 mcg/day (NIH ODS UL for adults is 2000 mcg)
  • Impaired copper metabolism at doses above 1500 mcg/day (molybdenum binds copper as thiomolybdate)

Common adverse effects

  • Nausea at doses above 1000 mcg/day
  • Diarrhoea

Pregnancy: can you take Molybdenum?

Adequate molybdenum intake in pregnancy is 50 mcg/day (NIH ODS) and is covered by ordinary diet. Molybdenum in parenteral nutrition and standard prenatal multivitamins is safe. Stand-alone molybdenum supplements in pregnancy are not justified.

Breastfeeding: can you take Molybdenum?

Molybdenum is present in human milk at about 2 mcg/L and covers infant needs. Stand-alone molybdenum supplements during lactation are not justified.

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Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

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Frequently asked

What is Molybdenum used for?

Molybdenum is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Minerals for general health (supplement marketing) (evidence tier D). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Molybdenum?

Common side effects of Molybdenum (≥ 1 in 100): Nausea at doses above 1000 mcg/day, Diarrhoea. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Molybdenum safe during pregnancy?

Adequate molybdenum intake in pregnancy is 50 mcg/day (NIH ODS) and is covered by ordinary diet. Molybdenum in parenteral nutrition and standard prenatal multivitamins is safe. Stand-alone molybdenum supplements in pregnancy are not justified.

Is Molybdenum compatible with breastfeeding?

Molybdenum is present in human milk at about 2 mcg/L and covers infant needs. Stand-alone molybdenum supplements during lactation are not justified.

Who should not take Molybdenum?

Molybdenum is contraindicated in: History of gout (molybdenum increases xanthine oxidase activity and uric acid); Severe renal impairment; Known hypersensitivity to molybdenum salts. Full list in the Safety section.

Official sources

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