Molybdenum

Molybdenum is needed in tiny amounts as a cofactor for four human enzymes (xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, sulphite oxidase, and mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component). Dietary deficiency in humans has been recorded essentially only on long-term parenteral nutrition without molybdenum added.

Values per 100g from USDA SR Legacy and McCance and Widdowson 7th edition; the site's food entries currently store macros only. Molybdenum is in most plant foods and grains, in amounts that vary with the soil it was grown in.

Useful UK sources include lentils, chickpeas, oat bran, brown rice, peanuts, and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach.

The UK has not set a strict Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for molybdenum.

Molybdenum deficiency from diet is essentially unknown in healthy people. Rare inherited enzyme disorders (molybdenum cofactor deficiency) present in newborns and are managed by specialist teams.

NHS supplement guidance: taking 200 micrograms or less a day of molybdenum from supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.

Very high intakes can cause gout-like symptoms by raising uric acid; this is not a realistic concern from food.

Routine molybdenum supplementation is not needed and not recommended for healthy adults.

• Other trace minerals: Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Selenium.

• NHS. Vitamins and minerals: Others. nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others.
• SACN. Dietary Reference Values for Food Energy and Nutrients for the United Kingdom. Department of Health Report 41 (1991).

This page is reference information for UK shoppers. It is not medical advice.