Overview

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

Molybdenum works in the body to break down proteins and other substances. It's estimated that adults in the US consume 120-210 mcg of molybdenum in foods daily.

People use molybdenum for molybdenum deficiency. It is also used for acne, cancer, liver disease, osteoporosis, and other many conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Likely Effective for

  • Molybdenum deficiency. Taking molybdenum by mouth helps prevent and treat molybdenum deficiency. But molybdenum deficiency is very rare.
There is interest in using molybdenum for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by: Molybdenum is likely safe when used in amounts that don't exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 2 mg daily. It's generally well-tolerated. But it's possibly unsafe when used in amounts greater than 2 mg daily.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by: Molybdenum is likely safe when used in amounts that don't exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 2 mg daily. It's generally well-tolerated. But it's possibly unsafe when used in amounts greater than 2 mg daily.


Pregnancy: Molybdenum is likely safe during pregnancy when used in amounts that don't exceed the UL of 1.7 mg daily for those 14 to 18 years, or 2 mg daily for those 19 and older. It's possibly unsafe when used in higher doses.

Breast-feeding: Molybdenum is likely safe while breast-feeding when used in amounts that don't exceed the UL of 1.7 mg daily for those 14 to 18 years, or 2 mg daily for those 19 and older. It's possibly unsafe when used in higher doses.

Children: Molybdenum is likely safe when used in amounts that don't exceed the UL by age: 0.3 mg daily for children 1 to 3 years, 0.6 mg daily for children 4 to 8 years, 1.1 mg daily for children 9 to 13 years, and 1.7 mg daily for adolescents. Molybdenum is possibly unsafe when used in higher doses.

Copper deficiency: Taking molybdenum might reduce how much copper and molybdenum the body absorbs, possibly making copper deficiency worse. But it's not clear if this is a big concern.

Gout: Using molybdenum in amounts above 2 mg daily might make gout worse. Very high levels of molybdenum in the diet have been linked with gout.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for MOLYBDENUM overview.

Dosing

Molybdenum is consumed in foods such as milk, cheese, cereal grains, legumes, nuts, leafy vegetables, and organ meats. But as medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of molybdenum might be. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.