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Overview: Molybdenum is a mineral that is commonly used to prevent or treat low levels of molybdenum in the body. It is available over the counter as a supplement and is usually well tolerated. Before taking molybdenum, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is molybdenum used for?

Molybdenum is commonly used to treat or prevent low levels of molybdenum from various causes.

Molybdenum is available as a dietary supplement in various strengths and dosage forms. It is also found as an ingredient in some multivitamins.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed molybdenum for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does molybdenum work (mechanism of action)?

Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral. This means that your body needs this mineral to function but only in very small amounts. Your body uses molybdenum to make proteins and to break down drugs and toxins.

In the U.S., most people get enough molybdenum from their diet. Molybdenum is found in many different foods, including milk, cheese, whole grains, peanuts, beans, peas, and nuts. For most adults, the recommended daily intake of molybdenum is 45 micrograms (mcg). However, some people either do not get enough from their diet or have trouble absorbing it. When this happens, you can take molybdenum to replace what you are not getting from your diet.

How should I store molybdenum?

You should store molybdenum according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of molybdenum?

Molybdenum seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of molybdenum that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of molybdenum?

While less common, the most serious side effects of molybdenum are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Molybdenum may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking molybdenum and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use molybdenum?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take molybdenum.

  • Molybdenum (Mo)
  • Sodium molybdate
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific molybdenum products they stock.

What should I know about molybdenum before using it?

Molybdenum is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep molybdenum out of the reach of children.

Dietary supplements may contain many different forms of molybdenum. Some examples include molybdenum chloride, sodium molybdate, molybdenum glycinate, and molybdenum amino acid chelate. It is not clear if any of these forms work differently in the body.

The FDA has not tested molybdenum products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using molybdenum?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if molybdenum is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how molybdenum could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Molybdenum passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does molybdenum interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between molybdenum and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect molybdenum.

Does molybdenum interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between molybdenum and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between molybdenum and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with molybdenum is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking molybdenum with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much molybdenum?

If you or someone else has used too much molybdenum, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Molybdenum may be found in dietary supplements as a single ingredient. It is also included in some multivitamin products. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take molybdenum safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.