Background

Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral. It is found in foods such as milk, cheese, cereal grains, legumes, nuts, leafy vegetables, and organ meats.

Molybdenum is most commonly used for molybdenum deficiency. It is also used for cancer of the esophagus, other types of cancer, Wilson disease, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by: Molybdenum is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately by adults. Molybdenum is safe in amounts that do not exceed 2 mg per day, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level. However, molybdenum is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in high doses. Adults should avoid exceeding 2 mg daily.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Molybdenum is LIKELY SAFE in amounts that do not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 1.7 mg per day for women 14 to 18 years, or 2 mg per day for women 19 and older. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in high doses. Avoid exceeding 1.7 mg per day for women 14 to 18 years, or 2 mg per day for women 19 and older.

Children: For children, molybdenum is LIKELY SAFE in amounts that do not exceed the UL of 0.3 mg per day for children 1 to 3 years, 0.6 mg per day for children 4 to 8 years, 1.1 mg per day for children 9 to 13 years, and 1.7 mg per day for adolescents. However, molybdenum is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in high doses. Children should avoid exceeding 0.3 mg per day for children 1 to 3 years, 0.6 mg per day for children 4 to 8 years, 1.1 mg per day for children 9 to 13 years, and 1.7 mg per day for adolescents.

Gout: Very high levels of molybdenum in the diet such as 10 to 15 mg/day, and industrial exposure to molybdenum, might cause gout. Molybdenum supplements might make gout worse. Avoid taking molybdenum in doses above 2 mg per day for adults.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• The National Institute of Medicine has determined Adequate Intake (AI) of molybdenum for infants: 0 to 6 months, 2 mcg/day; 7 to 12 months, 3 mcg/day.
• For children, a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) has been set: 1 to 3 years, 17 mcg/day; 4 to 8 years, 22 mcg/day; 9 to 13 years, 34 mcg/day; 14 to 18 years, 43 mcg/day. For men and women age 19 years and older, the RDA is 45 mcg/day. For pregnancy and lactation, the RDA is 50 mcg/day for women of all ages. It is estimated that a typical US adult's diet supplies 120 mcg/day to 210 mcg/day.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if Molybdenum interacts with any medicines. Before taking Molybdenum, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Copper: Molybdenum can attach to copper in the gut and decrease the amount of copper and molybdenum that the body absorbs. But it is unlikely that molybdenum could decrease copper absorption enough to cause copper deficiency. However, people with anemia that is caused by low copper should avoid high amounts of molybdenum.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

Molybdenum works in the body to break down proteins and other substances. Molybdenum deficiency is very uncommon.

Molybdenum has an important role in normal body functions, but there is not enough information to know how it might work for any medical condition.