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THYROID FUNCTION

Molybdenum

Mo — Element #42

also known as Molybdate, Ammonium molybdate, Sodium molybdate

An essential trace mineral the body uses to power four enzymes that handle sulfur metabolism, purine breakdown, and detoxification of certain compounds. Deficiency is essentially unheard of in healthy people — molybdenum needs are tiny and the diet provides them easily.

Role in the body Cofactor for sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, and mitochondrial amidoxime reductase

Recommended daily intake
  • Adults · 45 mcg
  • Pregnancy · 50 mcg
  • Lactation · 50 mcg
Upper intake limit

2,000 mcg (2 mg) per day for adults

Signs of deficiency
  • Essentially unknown from dietary causes
  • Rare genetic deficiency causes severe neurological problems in infants
  • Cofactor for four enzymes that process sulfur compounds, purines, and certain dietary toxins
  • Required for the body to convert sulfite (a common food preservative) into harmless sulfate
  • Found widely in legumes, whole grains, nuts, and leafy greens
  • Most people meet needs easily through normal eating — rarely needed as a standalone supplement

Active in MoO₄²⁻ (molybdate), Molybdopterin cofactor (Moco).

Very high doses (10-15 mg/day) can cause gout-like symptoms by raising uric acid
Excess can interfere with copper absorption — long-term high doses cause copper deficiency
Most multivitamins provide adequate amounts; additional supplementation is rarely necessary
Standalone molybdenum supplements are usually unnecessary unless prescribed for a specific medical reason

NIH ODS — Molybdenum · MedlinePlus — Molybdenum · Britannica — Molybdenum

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The curious few.
50 founding spots left

Know what you're putting in your body.

158 herbs, nutrients, and compounds. What the science says, what tradition knew, and what to watch for. Founding members keep this running.

$60 /year

Founding rate — locked for life. Regular price after launch: $96/year.

  • ✓ Full access to all 158+ entries
  • ✓ Print-ready reference card for every herb
  • ✓ Monthly curated set — 5 herbs, one body system
  • ✓ The Sunday Letter — weekly research digest
  • ✓ Bookmarks synced across devices
  • ✓ Founding rate locked forever
Become a founding member

Cancel any time. No questions asked.