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Mineral

Molybdenum

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Molybdenum. Trace mineral cofactor for xanthine oxidase and sulfite oxidase.

How it works. Cofactor (Moco) for xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, and sulfite oxidase.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Prevents sulfite-induced reactions in deficiency (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 45 mcg.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing.

Stacking. Pairs well with Milk thistle (silymarin), NAC.

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Molybdenum. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Molybdenum. Trace mineral cofactor for xanthine oxidase and sulfite oxidase.

Element Mo · Z = 42Mo · 95.95 g/mol

What it is

Trace mineral cofactor for xanthine oxidase and sulfite oxidase.

Food sources

LegumesWhole grainsNuts

Goals

How it works

Cofactor (Moco) for xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, and sulfite oxidase.

Pathways

  • Sulfur metabolism
  • Purine catabolism

Effects

  • +Sulfite detoxification supports

What the research supports

Prevents sulfite-induced reactions in deficiencymoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
45 mcg
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the sodium molybdate form.
Upper limit2,000 mcg
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Molybdenum is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
  • Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
  • Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users

Serious

  • Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Molybdenum use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Molybdenum — Prevents sulfite-induced reactions in deficiency ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Molybdenum and "Prevents sulfite-induced reactions in deficiency". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Molybdenum — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Molybdenum and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Molybdenum — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Molybdenum and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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