Molybdenum is an essential cofactor for several enzymatic reactions in the body. The most well-known is sulfite oxidase (SUOX).^†

The enzyme sulfite oxidase (SUOX) breaks down sulfites into less problematic sulfates. SUOX enzyme function can be impaired due to genetic variations, molybdenum deficiency, or environmental factors. Without optimal SUOX function, sulfite levels can become elevated. High levels of sulfites can lead to side effects such as breathing issues, flushing, heart palpitations, headaches, and other symptoms associated with sulfite sensitivity.

If molybdenum levels are low and a person has SUOX gene variants, they can be more sensitive to sulfites and even to cysteine. Those who do not tolerate supplementation with cysteine, glutathione, and NAC, or who react to wine and other sulfite-rich foods, may benefit from molybdenum supplementation.^†

Certain foods contain high levels of sulfites, such as wine, bottled lime and lemon juice, dried fruits, and deli meats. Sulfites also come from sulfur-containing foods. Some amino acids turn into sulfites when you consume foods rich in sulfur-containing amino acids like cysteine. If you supplement with glutathione or NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine), these compounds also create cysteine and possibly higher sulfite levels in your body.^†

The body naturally converts homocysteine into cysteine with the help of two enzymes and vitamin B6. The body can do three things with cysteine. First, it can combine two cysteines to make cystine. Second, it can add glutamate and glycine to make glutathione. Last but not least, it can make sulfite. This is the most common path, known as the transsulfuration pathway. Sulfites are further metabolized into sulfates via the SUOX enzyme, which requires molybdenum.^†

While sulfites can be problematic, sulfates are needed for a multitude of reactions in the human body. Sulfates are the fourth most common anion in our blood. They prevent our blood from coagulating. They are also a primary detoxification agent. Your body conjugates (attaches) toxins to sulfates so they can be shuttled out of your body.^†

In addition to the SUOX enzyme, molybdenum is a cofactor for other critical enzymes, including aldehyde oxidase (AO) and xanthine oxidase (XO) enzymes.^†

As a cofactor for the AO enzyme, molybdenum supports healthy detoxification. It plays a major role in converting acetaldehyde into acetic acid. Acetaldehyde is a byproduct of fungal growth and alcohol consumption. Elevated levels can be problematic.^†

As a cofactor for the XO enzyme, molybdenum also supports purine metabolism via the oxidation of hypoxanthine to uric acid.^†

Molybdenum plays a role in healthy iron transportation and release. It is necessary for maintaining normal iron levels and utilization. This is due to its involvement in the enzymatic process that mobilizes iron from liver reserves. Iron also helps produce heme, a cofactor for the SUOX enzyme.^†

Molybdenum capsules by Seeking Health provides a potent amount of molybdenum (500 mcg) per single capsule serving. For a gentler formula (25 mcg) in a liquid format, try our SulfiteX Drops. It’s never been easier to support healthy sulfite metabolism and detoxification.^†