Molybdenum
Molybdenum supports enzyme functions that help process sulfur-containing compounds. Food-first intake is preferred; supplements should be matched to diet, health context, and safety considerations.
Overview
Biological role
Molybdenum supports enzyme functions that help process sulfur-containing compounds.
Mechanism of action
Molybdenum contributes to normal physiology through nutrient-specific enzyme, structural, signaling, transport, or regulatory roles described in authoritative nutrition references.
Chemical forms
Molybdenum may appear in foods and supplements in different chemical forms. Selection should consider the nutrient form, dose, tolerance, and health context.
Quick answers before choosing a supplement
Chemical forms and absorption
Common forms
Molybdenum may appear in foods and supplements in different chemical forms. Selection should consider the nutrient form, dose, tolerance, and health context.
Absorption context
Absorption can vary with food composition, supplement form, dose, and timing. Food-first intake is preferred when possible.
Clinical use
Established essential nutrient roles should be separated from supplement benefit claims. Supplement use is most appropriate when there is inadequate intake, increased need, deficiency risk, or a clinical indication.
Absorption and action pathway
What to take with, and what to avoid
Works Well With
Avoid / Use Caution
Best time to take
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to take Molybdenum?
Use with meals if the supplement irritates the stomach; separate from medicines or competing minerals when needed.
Can Molybdenum be taken with coffee or milk?
Some minerals compete with foods, drinks, or medicines. Separate timing is useful when treating a deficiency.
Who should be careful with Molybdenum?
Pregnant or lactating people, older adults, children, people with chronic diseases, and people taking regular medicines should use supplements with professional guidance.
Food and Intake
| Age / group | Male | Female | Pregnancy | Lactation | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 years | 17 | 17 | – | – | UL 300 |
| 4-8 years | 22 | 22 | – | – | UL 600 |
| 9-13 years | 34 | 34 | – | – | UL 1,100 |
| 14-18 years | 43 | 43 | 50 | 50 | UL 1,700 |
| 19+ years | 45 | 45 | 50 | 50 | UL 2,000 |
International reference intake comparison
| Country / authority | Common reference value |
|---|---|
| USA / NIH-FNB | RDA 45 mcg; pregnancy/lactation 50; UL 2,000 |
| Europe / EFSA | AI adults 65 mcg |
| Australia-New Zealand / NRV | RDI 45 mcg |
| Thailand / Thai FDA | Thailand: use Thai RDI and Thai FDA / Ministry of Public Health regulations for labeling and supplement products. Do not interpret labeling values as therapeutic doses; product-specific limits must be checked against the latest notification and formula. |
This table compares reference-intake frameworks across authorities. Values may use different terms such as RDA, AI, PRI, or NRV and should not be merged into one universal dose.
Food source comparison for Molybdenum
| Food | Serving amount | Molybdenum | %DV | %DV bar | Servings to reach 45 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| black-eyed peas | 1/2 cup | 288 mcg | 640% | 0.2 | |
| lima beans | 1/2 cup | 104 mcg | 231% | 0.4 | |
| beef liver | 3 oz | 104 mcg | 231% | 0.4 | |
| yogurt | 1 cup | 26 mcg | 58% | 1.7 | |
| potato | 1/2 cup | 16 mcg | 36% | 3 | |
| whole-wheat bread | 1 slice | 12 mcg | 27% | 4 |
Food values are practical comparison values. Actual content varies by variety, preparation, fortification, and serving size.
Safety
Deficiency
Inadequate Molybdenum intake or absorption may affect body systems related to enzyme functions that help process sulfur-containing compounds. Deficiency risk depends on diet, absorption, medical conditions, and life stage.
Excess and toxicity
Deficiency is very rare; supplements are usually unnecessary for most people.
Precautions
Deficiency is very rare; supplements are usually unnecessary for most people.
Special populations
Pregnant or lactating people, older adults, children, people with chronic diseases, and people taking regular medicines should use supplements with professional guidance.
Fast risk map
LOW: insufficient intake
Inadequate Molybdenum intake or absorption may affect body systems related to enzyme functions that help process sulfur-containing compounds. Deficiency risk depends on diet, absorption, medical conditions, and life stage.
UL: excess intake
Deficiency is very rare; supplements are usually unnecessary for most people.
Precautions: interactions and timing
Deficiency is very rare; supplements are usually unnecessary for most people.
SP: special populations
Pregnant or lactating people, older adults, children, people with chronic diseases, and people taking regular medicines should use supplements with professional guidance.
Interactions and Clinical Context
Drug interactions
Potential interactions depend on the nutrient, supplement dose, medicines used, and medical conditions. People using regular medicines should check interaction guidance from clinical sources or ask a clinician.
Food interactions
Absorption can vary with food composition, supplement form, dose, and timing. Food-first intake is preferred when possible.
Clinical notes
Established essential nutrient roles should be separated from supplement benefit claims. Supplement use is most appropriate when there is inadequate intake, increased need, deficiency risk, or a clinical indication.
Evidence level
High for essential nutrient role; nutrient-specific supplementation benefits depend on baseline status and clinical context.