Molybdenum
Molybdenum Chloride , Sodium Molybdate , Molybdenum Glycinate , Molybdenum Amino Acid Chelate
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NUTRIENT FACTS
Nutrient Type
YES
ATC Code
No
Deficiency Diseases
No
Dietary Sources
YES
Summary
Molybdenum is a trace mineral essential for enzyme function, which supports metabolism and detoxification. It helps break down amino acids and other compounds, crucial for overall health.
You can get molybdenum from plant-based foods like legumes, grains, and nuts. It's also found in liver, dairy products, and drinking water. A balanced diet usually provides enough molybdenum.
Molybdenum deficiency is rare but can cause neurological problems, rapid heart rate, and breathing difficulties. People with genetic disorders affecting molybdenum metabolism are at higher risk.
Adults need 45 micrograms of molybdenum daily. The upper safe limit is 2,000 micrograms per day. It's best to meet these needs through diet unless advised by a healthcare provider.
Molybdenum supplements are generally safe and don't interact with medications. However, excessive intake can cause gout-like symptoms and other health issues. Consult a healthcare provider before taking high doses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Molybdenum do?
Molybdenum is a trace mineral essential for human health. It plays a crucial role in enzyme function, which supports the body's metabolism and detoxification processes. Molybdenum helps break down certain amino acids and other compounds. It is important for overall health, and maintaining adequate levels through diet is necessary for proper enzyme activity and bodily functions.
How can I get Molybdenum from my diet?
Molybdenum is found in various foods. Plant-based sources include legumes, grains, and nuts. Animal-based sources are less common but include liver and dairy products. The mineral is also present in drinking water. Absorption can be affected by dietary factors, but molybdenum is generally well-absorbed from foods. A balanced diet typically provides enough molybdenum to meet daily needs and support enzyme function.
How does Molybdenum affect my health?
Molybdenum deficiency is rare but can lead to health issues. Molybdenum, which is a trace mineral, is essential for enzyme function. Deficiency may cause neurological problems, such as seizures, and developmental delays. Symptoms can include rapid heart rate and breathing difficulties. People with genetic disorders affecting molybdenum metabolism are at risk. It's important to maintain adequate levels through diet to support enzyme activity and overall health.
Who can have low levels of Molybdenum?
Molybdenum deficiency is rare, but certain groups may be at risk. People with genetic disorders affecting molybdenum metabolism are most vulnerable. Those on long-term intravenous feeding without molybdenum supplementation may also be at risk. It's important to ensure adequate intake through diet to support enzyme function and overall health.
What diseases can Molybdenum treat?
Molybdenum is not typically used as a treatment for specific diseases. It is a trace mineral essential for enzyme function, which supports various bodily processes. While it is crucial for health, there is no strong evidence supporting its use as a therapy for specific conditions. Maintaining adequate molybdenum levels through diet is important for overall health and enzyme activity.
How do I know if I have low levels of Molybdenum?
Diagnosing molybdenum deficiency is challenging due to its rarity. Blood tests measuring molybdenum levels can help, but there are no standard thresholds for deficiency. Symptoms may include neurological issues, rapid heart rate, and breathing difficulties. Genetic testing may identify disorders affecting molybdenum metabolism. Healthcare providers consider symptoms and test results to diagnose deficiency and determine underlying causes.
How much supplement of Molybdenum should I take?
The daily requirement for molybdenum varies by age. For adults, the recommended daily allowance is 45 micrograms. Children need less, with requirements increasing as they grow. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may need slightly more to support fetal and infant development. The upper safe limit for adults is 2,000 micrograms per day. It's important to meet these needs through a balanced diet to support enzyme function and overall health.
Will supplements of Molybdenum interfere with my prescription medicines?
No, molybdenum supplements are not known to negatively interact with prescription medications. Molybdenum, which is a trace mineral, is generally considered safe and does not have documented adverse interactions with medications. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking prescription medications, to ensure there are no potential interactions specific to your health condition.
Is taking too much of Molybdenum harmful?
Excessive molybdenum intake can be harmful. The tolerable upper intake level for adults is 2,000 micrograms per day. High levels may cause gout-like symptoms, which are joint pain and swelling due to uric acid buildup. Long-term overuse can lead to reproductive issues and kidney problems. It's important to avoid unnecessary supplementation and stay within recommended dosages. Consult a healthcare provider before taking high doses of molybdenum supplements.
What is the best supplement for Molybdenum?
Molybdenum is available in different chemical forms, such as sodium molybdate and ammonium molybdate. These forms are used in supplements and have similar bioavailability, which means the body can absorb them effectively. There are no significant differences in side effects or tolerability among these forms. Choosing a form may depend on cost and availability, but all provide the necessary molybdenum for enzyme function and health.
Content of Selected Foods
| Food | Milligrams (mg) per serving | Percent DV* |
|---|---|---|
| Black-eyed peas, boiled, ½ cup | 288 | 640 |
| Beef, liver, pan fried, 3 ounces | 104 | 231 |
| Lima beans, boiled, ½ cup | 104 | 231 |
| Yogurt, plain, low-fat, 1 cup | 26 | 58 |
| Milk, 2% milkfat, 1 cup | 22 | 49 |
| Potato, baked, flesh and skin, 1 medium | 16 | 36 |
| Cheerios cereal, ½ cup | 15 | 33 |
| Shredded wheat cereal, ½ cup | 15 | 33 |
| Banana, medium | 15 | 33 |
| White rice, long grain, cooked, ½ cup | 13 | 29 |
| Bread, whole wheat, 1 slice | 12 | 27 |
| Peanuts, dry roasted, 1 ounce | 11 | 24 |
| Chicken, light meat, roasted, 3 ounces | 9 | 20 |
| Egg, large, soft-boiled | 9 | 20 |
| Spinach, boiled, ½ cup | 8 | 18 |
| Beef, ground, regular, pan fried, 3 ounces | 8 | 18 |
| Pecans, dry roasted, 1 ounce | 8 | 18 |
| Corn, sweet yellow, cooked, ½ cup | 6 | 13 |
| Cheese, cheddar, sharp,1 ounce | 6 | 13 |
| Tuna, light, canned in oil, 3 ounces | 5 | 11 |
| Potato, boiled without skin, ½ cup | 4 | 9 |
| Orange, medium | 4 | 9 |
| Green beans, boiled, ½ cup | 3 | 7 |
| Carrots, raw, ½ cup | 2 | 4 |
| Asparagus, boiled, ½ cup | 2 | 4 |
- * DV means Daily Value. It’s a number set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to show how much of a nutrient you should get each day. For example, the Daily Value for calcium is 1,300 mg for adults and kids aged 4 and older. Food labels must show how much calcium they contain. If a food gives you 20% or more of your daily calcium need, it’s considered a high source. Even if a food gives less, it can still be part of a healthy diet.
Required (or Advised) Daily Intake
| Age | Male | Female | Pregnant | Lactating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–6 months | 2 | 2 | - | - |
| 7–12 months | 3 | 3 | - | - |
| 1–3 years | 17 | 17 | - | - |
| 4–8 years | 22 | 22 | - | - |
| 9–13 years | 34 | 34 | - | - |
| 14+ years | 43 | 43 | 50 | 50 |
