Molybdenum Toxicity

ByLarry E. Johnson, MD, PhD, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Reviewed ByGlenn D. Braunstein, MD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Reviewed/Revised Modified May 2025
v48479660
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Molybdenum (Mo) is a component of coenzymes necessary for the activity of xanthine oxidase, sulfite oxidase, and aldehyde oxidase.

Excessive exposure to molybdenum may be associated with adverse health effects, but the data are limited. Joint pain resembling gout and hyperuricemia have been observed in adults exposed to excess dietary or occupational molybdenum, but a causal relationship has not been established (1, 2).

References

  1. 1. Vyskocil A, Viau C. Assessment of molybdenum toxicity in humans. J Appl Toxicol. 1999 May-Jun;19(3):185-92. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1099-1263(199905/06)19:3<185::aid-jat555>3.0.co;2-z

  2. 2. Seldén AI, Berg NP, Söderbergh A, Bergström BE. Occupational molybdenum exposure and a gouty electrician. Occup Med (Lond). 2005 Mar;55(2):145-8. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqi018

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