Molybdenum is a trace metal. Toxicity from excessive intake is rare.
Situations associated with toxicity may include:
(1) error in formulation of total parenteral nutrition
(2) excessive intake of a dietary supplement
(3) intentional self-harm
Toxicity varies with the molybdenum salt ingested:
(1) molybdenum trioxide has the highest toxicity
(2) molybdenum in the hexavalent form has the least toxic effect
Clinical features may include:
(1) diarrhea
(2) anemia
(3) hallucinations
(4) seizures
(5) encephalopathy in severe cases
Some of the findings are due to copper deficiency, which is exacerbated by a high sulfur diet.
