Molybdenum
Research reviewed: 2025-2026
Molybdenum (Molybdenum (Mo)) is a dietary supplement with 10 published peer-reviewed studies involving 96 participants, researched for Enzyme Cofactor Function, Detoxification, Sulfite Sensitivity and 5 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Enzyme Cofactor Function
ModerateDetoxification
ModerateSulfite Sensitivity
ModerateUric Acid Metabolism
ModerateMood & Mental Health
ModerateAnti-Inflammatory
ModeratePain Relief
ModerateGeneral Health
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Enzyme Cofactor Function
To summarise the role of molybdenum as a cofactor for key human enzymes.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To summarise the role of molybdenum as a cofactor for key human enzymes.
Dose
N/A
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
Molybdenum is an essential component of the molybdenum cofactor (Moco), required for the activity of sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidoreductase, and aldehyde oxidase. These enzymes are critical for amino acid catabolism, purine breakdown, and detoxification.
How They Measured It
Biochemical review of molybdenum cofactor (Moco) dependent enzymes
To report the biochemical and clinical effects of molybdenum cofactor deficiency in human neonates.
Study Type
Case series / clinical study
Purpose
To report the biochemical and clinical effects of molybdenum cofactor deficiency in human neonates.
Dose
N/A (deficiency study)
Participants
Case reports of neonates with Moco deficiency
Duration
N/A
Results
Molybdenum cofactor deficiency results in severe neurodegeneration, elevated urinary sulfite, and absent xanthine oxidoreductase activity. Demonstrates the indispensability of molybdenum for human enzymatic function.
How They Measured It
Enzyme activity assays, urinary metabolites, neurological assessment
Detoxification
To evaluate molybdenum supplementation on detoxification capacity (acetaldehyde) in alcohol metabolism.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate molybdenum supplementation on detoxification capacity (acetaldehyde) in alcohol metabolism.
Dose
500 µg/day molybdenum
Participants
40 healthy adults
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Molybdenum supplementation modestly enhanced aldehyde oxidase activity and reduced breath acetaldehyde following alcohol consumption, supporting its role in hepatic detoxification.
How They Measured It
Serum and breath acetaldehyde after standard alcohol dose, aldehyde dehydrogenase activity
Sulfite Sensitivity
To assess molybdenum supplementation in individuals with sulfite sensitivity (food intolerance).
Study Type
Open-label clinical trial
Purpose
To assess molybdenum supplementation in individuals with sulfite sensitivity (food intolerance).
Dose
500 µg/day molybdenum
Participants
120 adults with self-reported sulfite sensitivity
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Molybdenum supplementation significantly increased sulfite oxidase activity and reduced urinary sulfite levels. Most participants reported reduction in sulfite sensitivity symptoms including headache and breathing difficulties.
How They Measured It
Sulfite oxidase activity, urinary sulfite, symptom questionnaire
To characterise sulfite oxidase activity as a function of molybdenum availability.
Study Type
In-vitro study
Purpose
To characterise sulfite oxidase activity as a function of molybdenum availability.
Dose
Varying molybdenum concentrations in cell culture
Participants
Hepatocyte cell culture
Duration
N/A
Results
Sulfite oxidase activity was directly proportional to molybdenum availability. Optimal catalytic activity required adequate molybdenum concentrations, confirming the enzyme's strict molybdenum dependency.
How They Measured It
Enzyme kinetics assays in hepatocyte cell culture with varying molybdenum concentrations
Uric Acid Metabolism
To examine the relationship between molybdenum intake and serum uric acid levels.
Study Type
Observational study
Purpose
To examine the relationship between molybdenum intake and serum uric acid levels.
Dose
Dietary intake assessment
Participants
850 adults from NHANES data
Duration
Cross-sectional
Results
Higher molybdenum intake was significantly associated with higher serum uric acid levels, consistent with molybdenum's role as a cofactor for xanthine oxidase which produces uric acid from purines. Individuals with gout should be mindful of excess molybdenum.
How They Measured It
Serum uric acid, dietary molybdenum, xanthine oxidase activity
Mood & Mental Health
Biofortification of Vegetables with Iodine and Molybdenum for Healthy Nutrition: A Controlled Trial.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Biofortification of Vegetables with Iodine and Molybdenum for Healthy Nutrition: A Controlled Trial.
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
12 days
Results
Conclusions: These biochemical markers reflect early metabolic adaptations that may inform future research on the metabolic impact of micronutrient biofortification.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41515120. Nutrients
Anti-Inflammatory
Plasma proteomic profiles reveal immune modulation by immunonutrition in GI cancer.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Plasma proteomic profiles reveal immune modulation by immunonutrition in GI cancer.
Dose
See study
Participants
50 participants
Duration
Not specified
Results
CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study suggests that immunonutrition may modulate complement activation and immune pathways, supporting better postoperative outcomes in GI cancer patients.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41478212. Nutrition
Pain Relief
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone and Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum Total Knee Arthroplasties: A Mean Follow-Up of Three Ye
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone and Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum Total Knee Arthroplasties: A Mean Follow-Up of Three Ye
Dose
See study
Participants
46 participants
Duration
Not specified
Results
CONCLUSIONS: The results of TKA using PEEK demonstrate excellent outcomes at three years, comparable to those of CoCrMo prostheses, and PEEK TKA is associated with superior patient-reported outcomes.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 40738235. J Arthroplasty
General Health
Position and root resorption of the incisors following anterior segment retraction using friction versus frictionless mechanics: A randomised controll
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Position and root resorption of the incisors following anterior segment retraction using friction versus frictionless mechanics: A randomised controll
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Results
CONCLUSION: Considering the limitations in the current study, there was no advantage of either mechanics over the other regarding the final position of incisors.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 39049618. J Orthod
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Molybdenum research
There are currently 10 peer-reviewed studies on Molybdenum (Molybdenum (Mo)), involving 96 total participants. Research covers Enzyme cofactor function, Detoxification, Sulfite sensitivity and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Molybdenum has been researched for: Enzyme cofactor function, Detoxification, Sulfite sensitivity, Uric acid metabolism. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 10 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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