How does molybdenum help keep my body healthy?

Molybdenum is an essential trace element required for the activity of several enzymes, including an enzyme that’s involved in the body’s production of genetic material and proteins; another that helps the body produce uric acid, which helps eliminate waste; and a third that helps the body detoxify sulfites, which are found in protein-rich foods and used as chemical preservatives in some foods and drugs. Certain people are extremely sensitive to the sulfites used as additives and have trouble breaking them down, which causes a toxic buildup in the body and can lead to asthma and other life-threatening breathing problems.

Molybdenum functions as a component of several enzymes, including those involved in alcohol detoxification as the cofactor of aldehyde oxidase. In uric acid formation, molybdenum is the cofactor of xanthine oxidase. In sulfur metabolism, molybdenum plays a role in the metabolism of the sulfur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine, as well as sulfites.