Supplement
Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral that helps enzymes break down sulfites and process purines. The evidence is strongest in people with a molybdenum deficiency, where studies found blood molybdenum levels went up and sulfite levels went down. Findings for sulfite sensitivity symptoms were moderate, while reports of lower esophageal cancer and cavity risk came from small studies, so that evidence is limited.
- Updated
- How we grade
- 10 studies cited
- Best evidence
- Grade A
- Conditions studied
- 8
- Outcomes
- 13
- Graded outcomes
- 2461
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Molybdenum Levels Large Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Large effect | 250 people | |||
| Sulfite Levels Large Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Large effect | 150 people | |||
| Neurological Symptoms Moderate Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 80 people |
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfite Oxidase Activity Moderate Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 180 people | |||
| Sulfite Reaction Symptoms Moderate Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 120 people |
Purine Metabolism
- Xanthine Oxidase Activity: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xanthine Oxidase Activity Moderate Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 150 people |
Detoxification
- Aldehyde Metabolism: improves
- Xenobiotic Clearance: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aldehyde Metabolism Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 100 people | |||
| Xenobiotic Clearance Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 90 people |
Dental Health
- Dental Caries Risk: improves
- Enamel Strength: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Caries Risk Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 800 people | |||
| Enamel Strength Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 200 people |
Esophageal Health
- Esophageal Cancer Risk: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esophageal Cancer Risk Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 2,000 people |
Drug Metabolism
- Drug Clearance Rate: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Clearance Rate Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 80 people |
Copper Status
- Copper Absorption: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Absorption May Decrease at High Doses | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 100 people |
Key findings
- Serum Molybdenum LevelsImproves (the measure goes up)
- Sulfite LevelsImproves (the measure goes down)
- Sulfite Oxidase ActivityImproves (the measure goes up)
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Third-party tested Molybdenum products, in the forms the graded studies used where we can match them.
- Grade A
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Studies cited
10 studies from PubMed
- Molybdenum Cofactor Deficiency: Clinical Presentations and Management
- Molybdenum and Sulfite Metabolism: Biochemistry and Clinical Relevance
- Molybdenum-Containing Enzymes in Human Metabolism
- Role of Molybdenum in Xanthine Oxidase Function
- Upper Tolerable Limits of Molybdenum: Safety Considerations
- Molybdenum in Human Health: A Review of Essential Functions
- Dietary Molybdenum Intake: Sources and Recommendations
- Molybdenum Status Assessment: Biomarkers and Methods
- Molybdenum: Dietary Requirements and Deficiency
- Molybdenum Toxicity and Deficiency: A Review of Clinical Cases