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Molybdenum supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review

  • Authors:
    • Jozélio Freire de Carvalho
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    Affiliations: Research Department, School of Nutrition (NUPEC), Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia 40110‑040, Brazil
    Copyright: © de Carvalho et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].
  • Article Number: 5
    |
    Published online on: June 26, 2026
       https://doi.org/10.3892/ijfn.2026.57
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Abstract

Molybdenum is an essential trace element involved in oxidative metabolism, detoxification pathways and in the regulation of inflammatory. However, despite biological plausibility, its role in rheumatic diseases remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the available clinical evidence regarding molybdenum supplementation in rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. For this purpose, a systematic literature search was performed on the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO and LILACS databases from 1965 to June, 2024. Studies evaluating molybdenum supplementation in patients with rheumatic or autoimmune diseases were eligible. Screening and study selection followed the PRISMA recommendations. A total of 12 records were identified through database searching. Following screening and eligibility assessment, one clinical study fulfilled the inclusion criteria. That pilot crossover study included 14 patients with heterogeneous arthritic conditions and evaluated molybdenum amino acid chelate supplementation. Subjective improvements in pain and general health were reported; however, critical methodological limitations were identified, including the small sample size, heterogeneous diagnoses, lack of validated outcome measures and limited methodological reporting. On the whole, the current evidence is insufficient to support routine molybdenum supplementation in rheumatic diseases. Additional well‑designed observational and interventional studies are warranted to clarify its potential clinical role.
View Figures

Figure 1

Proposed biological roles of
molybdenum relevant to rheumatic diseases. Molybdenum is an
essential trace element that acts as a cofactor for several
molybdoenzymes involved in purine metabolism, sulfite
detoxification, redox regulation, mitochondrial function, and
endothelial homeostasis. Through these pathways,
molybdenum-dependent enzymes may indirectly influence oxidative
stress, inflammatory signaling, vascular function, and metabolic
processes potentially relevant to rheumatic diseases. However,
despite biochemical plausibility, current clinical evidence
supporting molybdenum supplementation in rheumatology remains
extremely limited. Mo, molybdenum; ROS, reactive oxygen species;
NF-κB, nuclear factor κB; mARC, mitochondrial amidoxime reducing
component; NO, nitric oxide; TTMo, tetrathiomolybdate.

Figure 2

PRISMA flow diagram of study selection
for the systematic review. PRISMA flowchart illustrating the study
selection process for the systematic review. A total of 12 records
were identified, and one study fulfilled the eligibility criteria
and was included in the final review.
View References

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
Spandidos Publications style
de Carvalho JF: Molybdenum supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review. Int J Funct Nutr 7: 5, 2026.
APA
de Carvalho, J.F. (2026). Molybdenum supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review. International Journal of Functional Nutrition, 7, 5. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijfn.2026.57
MLA
de Carvalho, J. F."Molybdenum supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review". International Journal of Functional Nutrition 7.1 (2026): 5.
Chicago
de Carvalho, J. F."Molybdenum supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review". International Journal of Functional Nutrition 7, no. 1 (2026): 5. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijfn.2026.57
Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
de Carvalho JF: Molybdenum supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review. Int J Funct Nutr 7: 5, 2026.
APA
de Carvalho, J.F. (2026). Molybdenum supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review. International Journal of Functional Nutrition, 7, 5. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijfn.2026.57
MLA
de Carvalho, J. F."Molybdenum supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review". International Journal of Functional Nutrition 7.1 (2026): 5.
Chicago
de Carvalho, J. F."Molybdenum supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review". International Journal of Functional Nutrition 7, no. 1 (2026): 5. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijfn.2026.57
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