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Other common
name(s): none
Scientific/medical
name(s): Mo, sodium molybdate, ammonium molybdate
Description
Molybdenum is a mineral that is present in very small
quantities in the body. It is involved in many important biological
processes, possibly including development of the nervous system, waste
processing in the kidneys, and energy production in cells.
Overview
Molybdenum is an essential element in human nutrition, but its
precise function and interactions with other chemicals are not well
understood. Some evidence suggests that too little molybdenum in the
diet may be responsible for some health problems. Molybdenum is used as
a treatment in the rare cases of inherited metabolic diseases (such as
Wilson's disease) in which the body cannot process copper. More
research is needed to learn whether it may have a role in preventing
cancer and other diseases. It has shown promise in animal studies in
reducing the harmful effects of certain cancer drugs on the heart and
lungs.
How is it promoted for use?
Proponents claim molybdenum is an antioxidant that prevents
cancer by protecting cells from free radicals, destructive molecules
that may damage cells. Some supporters also claim that molybdenum
prevents anemia, gout, dental cavities, and sexual impotence.
What does it involve?
Food is the major source of molybdenum for most people. Common
sources of molybdenum include legumes, such as beans, peas, and
lentils; grains; leafy vegetables; liver; and nuts. However, the amount
of molybdenum in plants varies according to the amount in the soil.
Humans require very small amounts of molybdenum, and
deficiency appears to happen only under the most unusual circumstances.
For example, molybdenum deficiency may appear in a person fed entirely
through the veins for a very long time, or in a person with a genetic
problem in which the body cannot use the molybdenum that is eaten in
foods.
Molybdenum is sold as a supplement in some health food stores
and over the Internet. It is sold as sodium molybdate or ammonium
molybdate in capsule form, usually in combination with other nutrients.
A typical dosage is 75 micrograms (µg or mcg) daily.
What is the history behind it?
Knowledge of molybdenum dates back to the Middle Ages. Pure
molybdenum was first produced in 1893. Serious research into
molybdenum's importance in the human body began only within the past
couple of decades. In 2001, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board
established the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, of molybdenum
for most adults at 45 micrograms, with an RDA of 50 micrograms for
women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
What is the evidence?
A large, randomized study was conducted in Linxian, an area of
north central China whose residents have very high rates of esophageal
and stomach cancers. Researchers gave more than 30,000 people one of
several combinations of essential minerals and nutrients. One group
received vitamin C and molybdenum. The scientists did not find any
reductions in cancer mortality rates among those who received
molybdenum. Some evidence suggested that the soil in Linxian, which
contained low levels of molybdenum, may have led to the formation of
chemicals in plants that increase the risk of cancers of the esophagus.
More data is needed to find out whether there is a connection.
Tetrathiomolybdate (a form of molybdenum that is different
from the forms used in dietary supplements) is being tested as a cancer
treatment. It is known that molybdenum depletes copper in the body, and
copper is required for new blood vessels to be formed. Some studies in
mice show that tetrathiomolybdate might improve the response to breast
cancer drugs, but human studies are required to find out whether this
is true. Animal studies also suggest that tetrathiomolybdate might be
helpful in reducing the heart and lung damage caused by some
chemotherapy drugs. This possibility has not yet been studied in human
clinical trials.
In 2003, researchers did a small study on people with advanced
kidney cancer. Researchers gave tetrathiomolybdate (a form of
molybdenum) to 15 patients to reduce the copper levels in their bodies.
Even though no one had a remission of their cancer, 4 people's tumors
stopped growing for 6 months. Some patients, however, had anemia (low
red blood cell counts) or low white blood cell counts due to the lack
of copper and had to have their molybdenum doses reduced. The
researchers noted that this approach might be useful in combination
with other cancer treatments and recommended large, well-controlled
studies to better evaluate tetrathiomolybdate. However, a small 2006
study did not show a reduction in growth of advanced prostate cancer.
Studies in mice show that molybdenum might improve the
response to breast cancer treatment drugs, but human studies are
required to find out whether this is true. Animal studies also suggest
that molybdenum might be helpful in reducing the heart and lung damage
caused by some chemotherapy drugs. This possibility has not yet been
studied in human clinical trials.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike companies that produce
drugs (which must provide the FDA with results of detailed testing
showing their product is safe and effective before the drug is approved
for sale), the companies that make supplements do not have to show
evidence of safety or health benefits to the FDA before selling their
products. Supplement products without any reliable scientific evidence
of health benefits may still be sold as long as the companies selling
them do not claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any
specific disease. Some such products may not contain the amount of the
herb or substance that is written on the label, and some may include
other substances (contaminants). Though the FDA has written new rules
to improve the quality of manufacturing processes for dietary
supplements and the accurate listing of supplement ingredients, these
rules do not take full effect until 2010. And, the new rules do not
address the safety of supplement ingredients or their effects on health
when proper manufacturing techniques are used.
Most such
supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with
medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some
reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full
studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of
these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions
below should be considered incomplete.
In animals, molybdenum deficiency does not occur naturally and
must be produced by a carefully controlled diet. Overdoses are
extremely rare. Large amounts of molybdenum produce symptoms of copper
deficiency in cattle and taking too much supplemental molybdenum could
produce the same symptoms in humans. Symptoms of too much molybdenum
include tiredness, dizziness, rashes, low white blood cell counts, and
anemia. High molybdenum levels are also linked to gout.
In workplaces where the mineral is processed, molybdenum dust
can irritate the nose and throat and may cause coughing and wheezing.
In workplace settings, prolonged exposure to high molybdenum levels has
been linked to weakness, fatigue, headache, poor appetite, and muscle
and joint pain.
Molybdenum deficiencies are very rare among humans; therefore
most practitioners do not recommend supplements. Relying on this type
of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care
for cancer may have serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Barceloux DG. Molybdenum. J
Toxicol. 1999;37:231-237.
Erratum in:
J Toxicol.
2000;38:813.
Blot WJ, Li JY, Taylor PR, Guo W, Dawsey SM, Li B. The Linxian
trials: mortality rates by vitamin-mineral intervention group. Am J Clin Nutr.
1995;62:1424S-1426S.
Brewer GJ, Ullenbruch MR, Dick R, Olivarez L, Phan SH.
Tetrathiomolybdate therapy protects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary
fibrosis in mice. J Lab
Clin Med. 2003;141:210-216.
Cassileth B. The
Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to
Alternative and Complementary Therapies. New York, NY:
W.W. Norton; 1998.
Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary reference intakes: elements.
Institute of Medicine Web site.
http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/7/294/0.pdf. Accessed June 6,
2008.
Hassouneh B, Islam M, Nagel T, Pan Q, Merajver SD, Teknos TN.
Tetrathiomolybdate promotes tumor necrosis and prevents distant
metastases by suppressing angiogenesis in head and neck cancer. Mol Cancer Ther.
2007;6:1039-1045.
Henry NL, Dunn R, Merjaver S, Pan Q, Pienta KJ, Brewer G,
Smith DC. Phase II trial of copper depletion with tetrathiomolybdate as
an antiangiogenesis strategy in patients with hormone-refractory
prostate cancer. Oncology.
2006;71:168-175.
Hou G, Dick R, Abrams GD, Brewer GJ. Tetrathiomolybdate
protects against cardiac damage by doxorubicin in mice. J Lab Clin Med.
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Kamangar F, Qiao YL, Yu B, Sun XD, Abnet CC, Fan JH, Mark SD,
Zhao P, Dawsey SM, Taylor PR. Lung cancer chemoprevention: a
randomized, double-blind trial in Linxian, China. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev.
2006;15:1562-1564.
Molybdenum. Linus Pauling Institute Web site.
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/molybdenum/. Updated
April, 2007. Accessed August 6, 2008.
Molybdenum. PDRhealth Web site.
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/mol_0332.shtml.
Accessed June 6, 2008.
Nakadaira H, Endoh K, Yamamoto M, Katoh K. Distribution of
selenium and molybdenum and cancer mortality in Niigata, Japan. Arch Environ Health.
1995;50:374-380.
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
Molybdenum (soluble compounds, as MO). Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention Web site. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/moly-mo.html.
Updated August 16, 1996. Accessed June 6, 2008.
Pan Q, Bao LW, Kleer CG, Brewer GJ, Merajver SD.
Antiangiogenic tetrathiomolybdate enhances the efficacy of doxorubicin
against breast carcinoma. Mol
Cancer Ther. 2003;2:617-622.
Qu CX, Kamangar F, Fan JH, Yu B, Sun XD, Taylor PR, Chen BE,
Abnet CC, Qiao YL, Mark SD, Dawsey SM. Chemoprevention of primary liver
cancer: a randomized, double-blind trial in Linxian, China. J Natl Cancer Inst.
2007;99:1240-1247.
Rajagopalan KV. Molybdenum: an essential trace element in
human nutrition. Annu
Rev Nutr. 1988;8:401-427.
Redman BG, Esper P, Pan Q, Dunn RL, Hussain HK, Chenevert T,
Brewer GJ, Merajver SD. Phase II trial of tetrathiomolybdate in
patients with advanced kidney cancer. Clin Cancer Res.
2003;9:1666-1672.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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