Sources of Molybdenum:
- Beans (lima, white, red, green, pinto, peas),
- grains (wheat, oat, rice),
- nuts,
- vegetables (asparagus, dark leafy, Brassicas),
- milk, cheese.
Absorption factors:
- Molybdenum absorption is passive in the intestines.
- Urinary excretion is a direct reflection of dietary Molybdenum intake, not necessarily Molybdenum status.
- Increased Mo intake may elevate urinary copper excretion.
Biochemical Actions:
Four enzymes require Molybdenum as a cofactor: sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase and mitochondrial amidoxime-reducing component (mARC).
These enzymes are important in detoxification. Sulfite oxidase converts sulfite to sulfate.
Molybdenum has been used clinically to treat Wilson’s disease to bind copper and prevent absorption.
Because ofthe copper-chelating property, Molybdenum has been studied as an anti-tumortherapy as well as its ability to inhibit profibrotic and proinflammatory cytokines for the treatment of arthritis and MS.
References:
Institute of Medicine Panel on M. In: Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US) Copyright 2001 by the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.; 2001.
Novotny JA, Peterson CA. Molybdenum. Adv Nutr. 2018;9(3):272-273.
Molybdenum
Every lab result you’ve ever had, charted and explained.
Healthmatters is a tracker for your lab results. Upload a report from any lab, any country — every marker charted and explained.
Start with my report →
All our content is backed by peer-reviewed studies, academic research, and trusted medical sources. We’re committed to accuracy and transparency — see our editorial policy for details.