Ammonium molybdate

MineralMolybdenum

What is it

Ammonium molybdate is a chemical compound containing the trace mineral molybdenum bonded with ammonium ions. It is sometimes used as a source of supplemental molybdenum, though sodium molybdate and molybdenum glycinate are more common forms in dietary supplements.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Trace mineral nutrition (preventing rare deficiency)

Limited Evidence

Molybdenum is required for several enzymes. Deficiency is very rare in humans because dietary intake is generally adequate. Supplementation is rarely needed except in TPN or specific medical contexts.

How it works

Ammonium molybdate provides molybdenum, a trace mineral that serves as a cofactor for several important enzymes: xanthine oxidase (purine metabolism, producing uric acid), aldehyde oxidase (various oxidations including drug metabolism), and sulfite oxidase (converts sulfite to sulfate, a critical detoxification pathway). After ingestion, ammonium molybdate dissociates in the GI tract, releasing molybdate ions that are absorbed efficiently in the small intestine (about 80 percent bioavailability). Absorbed molybdenum is incorporated into molybdopterin cofactors and used by the enzymes mentioned above. Excess is excreted in urine. Molybdenum deficiency is extremely rare in humans because dietary intake from legumes, grains, and water is usually adequate.

Dosage

The RDA for molybdenum is 45 micrograms per day for adults (50 mcg in pregnancy, 50 mcg in lactation). Supplements typically deliver 75 to 500 mcg of elemental molybdenum per dose. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level is 2,000 mcg/day for adults.

When and how to take it

Molybdenum can be taken any time. Like other trace minerals, may be absorbed slightly better on an empty stomach but is tolerable with meals.

3 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Ammonium molybdate

Used in some specialty and IV nutrition products.

Well absorbed; uncommon in consumer supplements.

Sodium molybdate (more common)

Most common molybdenum supplement form.

Well absorbed; standard supplement form.

Molybdenum glycinate

Used in some multivitamins and specialty supplements.

Chelated form; well tolerated.

Safety

Molybdenum at typical supplement and dietary intake is well tolerated. Excessive intake (well above the UL) can cause hyperuricemia, joint pain, and goutlike syndrome (observed in occupational settings). Ammonium molybdate specifically has not been reported to cause unique adverse effects beyond those of molybdenum itself. No formal Tolerable Upper Intake Level has been established for ammonium molybdate as a compound, beyond the molybdenum UL.

Who should be cautious

People with gout or kidney disease should consult a clinician before supplementing molybdenum. Generally safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding at RDA-level intake; high-dose supplementation should be avoided.

Interactions

Very high molybdenum intake can reduce copper absorption and bioavailability, potentially leading to copper deficiency. May interact with certain medications metabolized by xanthine oxidase (e.g., allopurinol).

Food sources

Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)

Amount
1 cup cooked
%DV
—

Grains

Amount
varies
%DV
—

Nuts (especially almonds, peanuts)

Amount
1 oz
%DV
—

Leafy greens

Amount
1 cup
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to supplement with molybdenum?⌄

Rarely. Most diets provide adequate molybdenum from legumes, grains, and water. Specific medical situations (TPN, certain rare disorders) may warrant supplementation.

Is ammonium molybdate safe?⌄

At RDA-level intake, yes. Excessive intake can cause hyperuricemia and gout-like syndromes; stay within Tolerable Upper Intake Level (2,000 mcg/day adult).

What's the difference between ammonium molybdate and sodium molybdate?⌄

Both provide molybdenum efficiently. The associated cation (ammonium vs sodium) makes minor differences in formulation but not clinical effect for typical use.

References

Ammonium molybdate on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Ammonium molybdate on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Ammonium molybdate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.