Also known as: Mo
Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral that serves as a cofactor for four critical enzymes involved in sulfur amino acid metabolism, purine degradation, and detoxification of sulfites. Deficiency is extremely rare due to low requirements and widespread availability in foods.
Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral that functions as a cofactor in the form of molybdopterin (molybdenum cofactor, Moco) for four human enzymes: sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, and mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component (mARC). Sulfite oxidase is the most clinically important, converting toxic sulfite to sulfate in the final step of sulfur amino acid metabolism. Xanthine oxidase catalyzes the final two steps of purine degradation, producing uric acid. Molybdenum is efficiently absorbed in the small intestine (40–100% depending on the form), and homeostasis is primarily regulated through renal excretion. The RDA for adults is 45 µg/day, and the tolerable upper intake level is 2.000 µg/day. Genetic deficiency of molybdenum cofactor is a rare but severe neonatal condition causing seizures and brain damage.
Molybdenum-dependent sulfite oxidase converts toxic sulfite to harmless sulfate. This enzyme is critical for individuals with sulfite sensitivity and those consuming foods preserved with sulfites.
Xanthine oxidase, a molybdenum-dependent enzyme, catalyzes the conversion of hypoxanthine to xanthine and then to uric acid, an important endogenous antioxidant at normal levels.
With a meal
The RDA of 45 µg/day is easily met through diet. Supplementation is rarely necessary unless on a very restricted diet.
Most common supplement form
Chelated form for improved tolerance
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
No product recommendations yet.