What this test measures
Molybdenum is an essential trace element and a cofactor for sulphite oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and aldehyde oxidase. Dietary needs are tiny (45 µg/day adult). Serum or plasma molybdenum reflects recent intake. Inherited isolated molybdenum cofactor deficiency causes severe neonatal seizures, lens dislocation and intellectual disability — but is extremely rare.
Why it matters
Outside specialised metabolic clinics and long-term TPN units, this test is almost never clinically needed. Indian diets (legumes, whole grains, leafy greens) easily meet molybdenum requirements. Excess is also rare; chronic high intake (occupational copper mining, very high supplements) can produce a gout-like syndrome through xanthine-oxidase upregulation.
How to prepare
Fasting morning trace-metal-free serum sample. Stop multivitamin supplements 48 hours before. Document any TPN.
Markers & reference ranges
Reference ranges below are typical adult values. Your lab's reported range may differ slightly based on the assay platform and patient demographics — always read your report against the range printed on it.
| Marker | Normal range | If low | If high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Molybdenum (µg/L)[1][2] | 0.4 – 2.0 | Below range — almost only seen in inherited isolated molybdenum cofactor deficiency (neonatal-onset severe neurological disease) or after prolonged TPN without molybdenum supplementation. | Above 2 µg/L — usually multivitamin supplementation or occupational exposure (copper mining). Chronic intake >1,500 µg/day can cause hyperuricaemia and gout-like symptoms. |
Molybdenum bands
| Mo (µg/L) | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| < 0.4 | Below range | Investigate TPN regimen; very rare metabolic deficiency |
| 0.4 – 2.0 | Normal | No action |
| > 2.0 | Above range — supplementation | Review intake; rule out occupational exposure |
Frequently asked questions
Should I supplement molybdenum?
No — dietary intake meets requirements for almost everyone. Supplementation has no proven benefit and high doses risk hyperuricaemia and gout.
Why is the test ordered?
Usually for two narrow reasons: investigation of suspected molybdenum cofactor deficiency in a neonate with severe seizures, or in patients on prolonged parenteral nutrition.
What foods are rich in molybdenum?
Legumes (chickpeas, lentils, rajma), whole grains, nuts, and leafy greens. Typical Indian dal-based diets are amply sufficient.
Does it interact with copper?
High molybdenum intake reduces copper absorption — used therapeutically (ammonium tetrathiomolybdate) in Wilson disease, but rarely a problem at usual intakes.
Related Toxicology / Trace Elements tests
Tests commonly ordered alongside MOLYBDENUM, or that help interpret an unexpected result.
Sources & references
- NIH ODS — Molybdenum Fact Sheet · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- Mayo Clinic Labs — Molybdenum, Serum · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- WHO — Molybdenum in Drinking Water · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
Book with Zelnoo
Get your MOLYBDENUM test done at home — transparent prices, NABL-accredited labs.
Zelnoo lets you compare diagnostic test prices across NABL-accredited labs in Mumbai & Thane, book a free home phlebotomist visit, and receive digital reports in 24–48 hours into a consent-first report vault. No subscriptions, no membership fees — pay only for the test you book.
Book MOLYBDENUM now