Molybdenum

Mineral
Written By Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD

What is Molybdenum?

  • Molybdenum is a trace mineral found in foods like grains, legumes, nuts, leafy vegetables, organ meats, and dairy.

  • Deficiency of molybdenum is rare and typically only seen if the individual has a genetic mutation or receives long-term parenteral (IV) nutrition [1]. 

  • Molybdenum is essential for almost all living organisms because it functions as a cofactor for different enzymes in the body. It plays a role in the regulation of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon [2]

  • Molybdenum activates enzymes that help break down harmful sulfites and prevent toxins from building up in the body. It is also involved in breaking down medications in the body. [1] See the Toxic Load note to learn more. 

 
 

Sources of Molybdenum

Recommended Intake

These recommendations are based on the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which is the average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient recommendations of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals.

Males and Females 

  • o-6 months: 2 mcg 

  • 7-12 months: 3 mcg

  • 1-3 years: 17 mcg 

  • 4-8 years: 22 mcg 

  • 9-13 years: 34 mcg 

  • 14-18 years: 43 mcg 

  • 19-50 years: 45 mcg 

  • 51+ years: 45 mcg

Deficiency

Molybdenum deficiency is rare and seen mostly in individuals with a genetic mutation called molybdenum cofactor deficiency, also known as type II xanthinuria [1]. 

Common symptoms of molybdenum deficiency include:

  • Seizures 

  • Lens dislocation 

  • Sulfite toxicity 

    • Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)

    • Tachypnea (abnormally rapid breathing)

    • Vomiting 

    • Coma 

Toxicity

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects.

Males and Females 

  • 1-3 years: 300 mcg 

  • 4-8 years:  600 mcg

  • 9-13 years: 1,100 mcg 

  • 14-18 years: 1,700 mcg

  • 19-50 years: 2,000 mcg 

Excess molybdenum is excreted rapidly by the kidneys, so toxicity from food is rare. Those who have reported toxicity from excess molybdenum have been exposed through industrial mining and metalwork or live in an area with unusually high soil concentration of molybdenum[1]. 

Common symptoms of molybdenum toxicity include [3]:  

  • Achy joints 

  • Abnormally high blood levels of uric acid 

  • Gout-like symptoms 

Supplements

Molybdenum deficiency is typically only seen with a genetic mutation. Most supplementation is in the form of a multivitamin. Some examples of multivitamins that contain molybdenum include. 

In the case of deficiency and you are looking to supplement with molybdenum alone, here are a few options:

Note: All supplements are linked to Amazon for convenience, however, buying supplements on Amazon does not guarantee quality, as there are many “unverified resellers” selling nutrition supplements. To buy supplements that are verified to be sent directly to the consumer, you can create an account on the Autism Dietitian FullScript and search for the respective supplement under “Catalog”.

DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.

Molybdenum & Autism in the Research

Molybdenum Levels and Severity of ASD 

  • A study found an inverse relationship between hair content of trace elements such as molybdenum, lead, and manganese and cognitive function of individuals with ASD [4]. 

Molybdenum Cofactor Sulfurase (MOCOS) 

  • Studies have found individuals with ASD were significantly more likely to have a down-regulation of molybdenum cofactor sulfurase (MOCOS) when compared with typically developing individuals.

    • MOCOS is involved in purine metabolism and the oxidation of sulfite to sulfate.  Low levels of MOCOS are associated with hypersensitivity to oxidative stress and characteristics of neurodevelopmental deficits [5-6]. 

  • One study showed a downregulation of molybdenum cofactor sulfurase gene in individuals with ASD associated with two polymorphisms in genes rs594445 and rs1057251 [7]. 

  • [1] Molybdenum Fact Sheet for Consumers. Nih.gov. Accessed February 23, 2021. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Molybdenum-HealthProfessional/#en14

    [2] Kisker, C.; Schindelin, H.; Baas, D.; Rétey, J.; Meckenstock, R. U.; Kroneck, P. M. H. (1999). "A structural comparison of molybdenum cofactor-containing enzymes" (PDF). FEMS Microbiol. Rev. 22 (5): 503–521. doi:10.1111/j.1574-6976.1998.tb00384.x. PMID 9990727. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2017-08-10. Retrieved 2017-10-25.

    [3] Novotny JA. Molybdenum nutriture in humans. J Evid Compl Alt Med 2011;163:164–8. 

    [4] Fiore M, Barone R, Copat C, et al. Metal and essential element levels in hair and association with autism severity. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2020;57:126409. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.126409

    [5] Féron F, Gepner B, Lacassagne E, et al. Olfactory stem cells reveal MOCOS as a new player in autism spectrum disorders. Mol Psychiatry. 2016;21(9):1215-1224. doi:10.1038/mp.2015.106

    [6] Rontani, P., Perche, O., Greetham, L. et al. Impaired expression of the COSMOC/MOCOS gene unit in ASD patient stem cells. Mol Psychiatry(2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-020-0728-2

    [7] Taheri M, Noroozi R, Aghaei K, Omrani MD, Ghafouri-Fard S. The rs594445 in MOCOS gene is associated with risk of autism spectrum disorder. Metab Brain Dis. 2020;35(3):497-501. doi:10.1007/s11011-019-00524-y 

Authors

Suzy Morris, Dietetic Intern

Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT

Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD https://www.autismdietitian.com
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