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Mo8.5
Molybdenum Research
Likely helpsHigh safety
22 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Probably helps
Molybdenum helped in about half (2/3) of the studies that measured an effect — promising, but not unanimous.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 1993–2025 with a typical study size of 276 participants.
Based on 22 studies · 4 meta-analyses · 5 RCTs · 140,973 total participants
Confidence
High
What the studies found
2helped1unclear· 19 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Micronutrient & trace-element status
Mostly mechanism / observational11 studies
Therapeutic & clinical
Mostly mechanism / observational7 studies
Glucose & metabolic
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Cholesterol & lipids
Too few graded studies2 studies
Women's health
Too few graded studies2 studies
Heart & blood pressure
Too few graded studies1 study
Safety profile
Too few graded studies1 study
By the numbers
Pulled from 6 studies with measurable effects
Likely real effects
100%
across studies
People studied
141k
typical study: 276 people
Strongest designs
9
4 pooled, 5 randomised
Showed benefit
67%
2/3 studies
How long studies ran
3+ months
1
Populations Studied
General population2
Bariatric surgery patients1
Systemic lupus erythematosus patients1
Nutrient-inadequate population1
Active research area
15 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2023
199320092025
1Mineral deficiency rates after bariatric surgeryMeta-AnalysisCited 10×n=47,432 · very large study2023
A high deficiency rate of serum iron, zinc, copper, chlorine, phosphorus, and calcium was seen after bariatric surgery.
Cao L et al. · Obesity surgery (2023)
Large benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
The most severe mineral deficiency after bariatric surgery was iron (20.1%), followed by zinc (18.3%), copper (14.4%), chlorine (12.2%), phosphorus (7.5%), and calcium (7.4%).
The difference in surgical procedures, study regions, and follow-up time may affect postoperative mineral status; more targeted mineral supplement programs are needed considering these influencing factors.
2Hyperuricemia riskMeta-AnalysisCited 18×n=63,283 · very large study2022
Gu T et al. · Clinical rheumatology (2022)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Data were pooled by random-effects models and expressed as pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Exposure to molybdenum (pooled OR = 0.804, 0.724, 0.975, 3, 0%) was linked to a decreased risk of HUA, however.
Molybdenum exposure was associated with a decreased prevalence of HUA; however, aluminum, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, mercury, selenium, thallium and zinc are not associated with HUA risk.
Shiani A et al. · Biological trace element research (2024)
Based on the findings, it is acceptable to infer that maternal exposure to toxic elements, whether through environmental contaminants or dietary sources, was associated with an elevated risk of OFCs.
Furthermore, the study revealed that ETEs exhibited a potential protective role in reducing the incidence of OFCs.
This observation highlights the importance of reducing exposure to toxic elements during pregnancy and suggests that optimizing maternal intake of ETEs could be an effective preventive strategy.
The results of this study showed that the concentration of nutrients in most articles was undesirable.
Aghalari Z et al. · Journal of health, population, and nutrition (2022)
The results of this study showed that the concentration of nutrients in most articles was undesirable.
It is suggested that optimal methods of enrichment of breads and flours be done with interdisciplinary cooperation between food hygiene, environmental health, nutrition, farmers and bakers.
It is recommended that food hygiene and environmental health researchers investigate other nutrients (including phosphorus, selenium, manganese, boron and molybdenum) in breads and other staple foods used by people to constructive and practical measures to increase public health.
However, it can be assumed that altered concentrations of those elements are crucial regarding the onset and exaggeration of either psychotic or negative symptoms or cognitive dysfunctions.
Baj J et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2020)
This review includes the analysis of serum levels of the following trace elements: iron, nickel, molybdenum, phosphorus, lead, chromium, antimony, uranium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, copper, selenium, calcium, and manganese.
Currently, there is no consistency regarding serum trace element levels in schizophrenic patients.
Thus, it cannot be considered as a reliable prognostic or diagnostic marker of schizophrenia.
Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Lan L et al. · Journal of cellular and molecular medicine (2024)
Trace elements are minimal yet essential components of human body that cannot be overlooked, and they participate in enzyme activation, DNA synthesis, antioxidant defence, hormone production, etc.
Moreover, trace elements are particularly involved in immune regulations.
Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
This review summarises the current literature concerning varied recommendations on molybdenum intake, the role of molybdenum and molybdoenzymes in physiology, and the contribution these play in gestational outcomes.
Foteva V et al. · Nutrients (2023)
Overexposure and deficiency can result in adverse health outcomes and mortality, although physiological doses remain largely unexplored in relation to human health.
The lack of knowledge surrounding molybdenum intake and the role it plays in physiology is compounded during pregnancy.
As pregnancy progresses, micronutrient demand increases, and diet is an established factor in programming gestational outcomes and maternal health.
The current review provides an updated discussion of the plausible mechanisms combining Cu, S, and Mo alterations in AD.
Coelho FC et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2022)
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia was ranked 3rd in both the Americas and Europe in 2019 in a World Health Organization (WHO) publication listing the leading causes of death and disability worldwide.
The current review provides an updated discussion of the plausible mechanisms combining Cu, S, and Mo alterations in AD.
10Cancer prevention and treatmentMeta-AnalysisCited 69×2006
The systematic review of the literature does not support the hypothesis that the use of supplements of vitamin C or vitamin E in the doses tested helps prevent and/or treat cancer in the populations tested.
Coulter ID et al. · Journal of general internal medicine (2006)
The systematic review of the literature does not support the hypothesis that the use of supplements of vitamin C or vitamin E in the doses tested helps prevent and/or treat cancer in the populations tested.
There were isolated findings of benefit, which require confirmation.
This study also highlights the potential of crop biofortification as a sustainable, strategy to enhance the nutrient density of vegetables within controlled dietary patterns.
Baldassano S et al. · Nutrients (2025)
Dietary intake was carefully monitored throughout the 12-day period to control for confounding dietary effects.
Results: The intervention was associated with decreased plasma levels of triglycerides, AST, and ALT, and increased plasma levels of HDL-cholesterol and the satiety hormone PYY, suggesting enhanced metabolic regulation.
Conclusions: These biochemical markers reflect early metabolic adaptations that may inform future research on the metabolic impact of micronutrient biofortification.
13Lung cancer mortalityRCTCited 39×n=147 · medium study2006
Supplementation with combinations of vitamins and minerals at nutrient-repletion levels for 5.25 years did not reduce lung cancer mortality in this nutrient-inadequate population in Linxian, China.
Kamangar F et al. · Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology (2006)
Lung cancer deaths (n = 147) identified during the trial period (1986-1991) and 10 years after the trial ended (1991-2001) were the study outcome.
No significant differences in lung cancer death rates were found for any of the four combinations of supplements tested in this study, using log-rank tests (all P values are >0.20) or Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, commune, and other treatments.
No significant interactions were seen for age, sex, or smoking status.
14Cancer and total mortalityRCTCited 44×n=29,584 · very large study2018
Multiyear nutrition intervention is unlikely to have a meaningful effect on mortality more than a decade after supplementation ends, even in a nutritionally deprived population.
Wang SM et al. · Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2018)
No clear effect
← WorseNo effectBetter →
The protective effect of Factor D for gastric cancer was attenuated (HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.01), but a newly apparent protective effect against esophageal cancer was found for Factor B (HR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.00, two-sided P = .04).
Protective effects were found in people younger than age 55 years at baseline against non-upper gastrointestinal cancer death for Factor A (HR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.92) and against death from stroke for Factor C (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.82 to 0.96).
In contrast, increased risk of esophageal cancer was found when the intervention began after age 55 years for Factors C (HR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.30) and D (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.34).
Further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying these enzymes' functions could lead to novel treatments and improved patient outcomes.
Adamus JP et al. · Biomolecules (2024)
The newest member of molybdenum-containing enzymes is mitochondrial amidoxime-reducing component (mARC), involved in drug metabolism and detoxification reactions.
Emerging evidence suggests its involvement in liver pathologies such as HCC and NAFLD, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target.
Overall, understanding the roles of molybdenum-containing enzymes in human physiology and disease pathology is essential for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for various health conditions, particularly those related to liver dysfunction.
This text summarises the most relevant clinical manifestations of trace element depletion and deficiency, the difficulties in assessing status, and makes practical recommendations for provision for enteral and parenteral nutrition.
Shenkin A et al. · Clinical nutrition ESPEN (2024)
This text summarises the most relevant clinical manifestations of trace element depletion and deficiency, the difficulties in assessing status, and makes practical recommendations for provision for enteral and parenteral nutrition.
Therefore, this review aims to connect the Mo-Cu antagonism in metalloproteins and anti-copper therapy.
Maiti BK et al. · Chembiochem : a European journal of chemical biology (2024)
However, this interaction was first observed in ruminants, and they convert molybdate (MoO4 2- ) into tetrathiomolybdate (MoS4 2- ; TTM), reacting with cellular Cu to yield biological unavailable Mo/S/Cu cluster, then developing Cu-deficiency diseases.
These findings inspire the use of TTM as a Cu-sequester drug, especially for treating Cu-dependent human diseases such as Wilson diseases (WD) and cancer.
It is well known that a balanced Cu homeostasis is essential for a wide range of biological processes, but negative consequence leads to cell toxicity.
Revisiting these biometals via thorough investigations, along with their biological mechanisms may present a solid foundation for not only the development of effective interventions, but also as diagnostic agents for AD.
Botchway BOA et al. · Journal of translational medicine (2023)
Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are biometals that have been investigated at great length in relation to neurodegeneration, whereas less attention has been afforded to other trace biometals, such as molybdenum (Mo), and iodine.
Given the above context, we reviewed the limited number of studies that have evidenced various effects following the usage of these two biometals in different investigative models of AD.
Revisiting these biometals via thorough investigations, along with their biological mechanisms may present a solid foundation for not only the development of effective interventions, but also as diagnostic agents for AD.
The examination of these mechanisms has provided an impression of the mechanism by which molybdenum treats iron-deficiency anemia and may treat arthritis; and hypothesize uses of molybdenum for other human diseases.
Grech BJ · European journal of clinical nutrition (2021)
This minireview examines three possible underlying mechanisms.
It investigates the possibility that molybdenum: increases the quantity of active mammalian molybdoenzymes, restores or partially restores activity to malfunctioning mammalian molybdoenzymes, or blocks nuclear receptors, in cells.
The examination of these mechanisms has provided an impression of the mechanism by which molybdenum treats iron-deficiency anemia and may treat arthritis; and hypothesize uses of molybdenum for other human diseases.
The beneficial effects of selenium, vitamin E, and beta-carotene on mortality were still evident up to 10 years after the cessation of supplementation and were consistently greater in younger participants.
Qiao YL et al. · Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2009)
The beneficial effects of selenium, vitamin E, and beta-carotene on mortality were still evident up to 10 years after the cessation of supplementation and were consistently greater in younger participants.
Late effects of other supplementation regimens were also observed.