Updated August 1, 2022

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential trace element rarely measured or treated.  Insufficiency is possible. Like insufficiency of other vitamins and minerals, the cumulative effects of chronic insufficiency may enable gradual buildup of toxins and negative health effects. Indeed there have been patients who have seen improvement with Mo. The chemistry of Mo is related to sulfur, and therefore detox processes.  Research on Mo is pauce, but extrapolating from soil depletion of other minerals, we probably have global human insufficiency. The reference ranges on labs are almost certainly skewed low.   We can detect deficiency fairly efficiently with the challenged mineral test.  Toxicity is rarely seen, partly because it can’t be measured with conventional labs, and because sources of excess Mo intake are rare.

It has been helpful for some kids with autism. The research below suggests a benefit for sugar metabolism, blood pressure and certain liver processes.

References

Impact on Glucose Homeostasis-Is Food Biofortified with Molybdenum a Workable Solution–A Two-Arm Study.2022

Biochemical and Spectroscopic Characterization of the Human Mitochondrial Amidoxime Redox Suggests New Molybdenum Enzyme Family in Eukaryotes.2016

Xanthine oxidase activity associated with arterial blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats _ PNAS.1998

Sodium molybdate prevents hypertension and vascular prostanoid imbalance in fructose-overloaded rats – PubMed

Molybdenum – Health Professional Fact Sheet