Molybdenum (Mo) – Elevated

 

What it means?

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential trace element required for several important enzymes, including:

• Xanthine oxidase – helps form uric acid from purines

• Sulfite oxidase – converts sulfite into sulfate for detoxification

• Aldehyde dehydrogenase – helps break down aldehydes, which can be toxic in excess

Unlike some other minerals, hair molybdenum is considered a reasonably reliable way to monitor levels, and it is not usually affected by external contamination.

 

Health connections:

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• Elevated molybdenum may indicate copper deficiency, since the two minerals compete with each other in the body.

• High molybdenum intake or retention can actually cause copper deficiency, leading to possible issues with anemia, connective tissue health, or weakened immunity.

• Industrial or occupational exposure (such as metal processing) may also lead to higher body stores.

• In most cases, excess molybdenum from diet alone is uncommon.

 

Symptoms that may be linked to excess molybdenum:

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• Gout-like symptoms due to elevated uric acid

• Fatigue or weakness (linked to secondary copper deficiency)

• Joint pain or stiffness

• Neurological disturbances (rare, in cases of high industrial exposure)

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Common sources / Notes:

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• Internal: Imbalance with copper metabolism, high dietary intake of molybdenum-rich foods in the presence of low copper.

• External: Industrial exposure or contamination from metal processing environments.

• Food sources: Legumes, grains, leafy vegetables, and organ meats naturally contain molybdenum.

 

Molybdenum (Mo) – Low / Deficient:

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What it means?

Molybdenum (Mo) is a trace mineral required in very small amounts. It serves as a cofactor for several detoxification and metabolic enzymes, including:

• Xanthine oxidase – helps break down purines into uric acid

• Sulfite oxidase – detoxifies sulfites (common in preservatives) by converting them to sulfates

• Aldehyde dehydrogenase – breaks down aldehydes from alcohol, metabolism, and environmental toxins

Deficiency is very rare, but low molybdenum in hair may indicate reduced enzyme activity that affects detoxification, sulfur metabolism, and overall energy production.

 

Health connections:

Low molybdenum may be associated with:

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• Difficulty breaking down sulfites, which can cause sensitivity to foods or drinks preserved with sulfites (headaches, wheezing, allergic-type symptoms)

• Impaired detoxification of aldehydes, leading to chemical sensitivity or alcohol intolerance

• Weakness, mental fog, or fatigue (linked to reduced energy enzyme activity)

• Possible influence on uric acid metabolism, though true deficiency is uncommon

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Common causes / sources:

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• Internal: Genetic enzyme defects, malabsorption syndromes, or prolonged parenteral nutrition without trace element supplementation.

• External: Diets extremely low in molybdenum (rare, since it is found in most plant-based foods).

• Food sources: Legumes (beans, lentils, peas), grains, nuts, and leafy vegetables are reliable sources.

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Possible symptoms of deficiency:

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• Food or chemical sensitivities (especially to sulfites)

• Headaches or neurological disturbances (in severe deficiency)

• Fatigue or weakness

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 “True molybdenum deficiency is extremely rare in human diets; supplementation should only be used under the guidance of Lemus Natural Medicine.”