From the Guidelines
Molybdenum supplementation is not typically associated with causing palpitations in most individuals when taken at recommended dietary levels. Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral that the body needs in small amounts for several enzymatic processes, including metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids and detoxification pathways. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults is quite low at 45 micrograms per day, with a tolerable upper intake level of 2,000 micrograms (2 mg) daily. At these normal doses, cardiovascular side effects like palpitations are not commonly reported, as noted in the espen micronutrient guideline 1. However, extremely high doses of molybdenum that far exceed the upper intake level could potentially cause adverse effects, though specific cardiac symptoms are not well-documented. Some key points to consider include:
- High doses of molybdenum may act as an inhibitor in purine catabolism and have been associated with aching joints, gout-like symptoms, hyperuricosuria, and elevated blood molybdenum in areas with extreme high soil contents 1.
- Molybdenum may be used to treat copper overload in Wilson's disease as tetrathiomolybdate, with a strong consensus of 94% 1.
- The management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death is a complex topic, and nondihydropyridines calcium channel blockers, and some antiarrhythmic medications may relieve symptoms of palpitations 1. If you're experiencing palpitations while taking molybdenum supplements, it would be advisable to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare provider, as the palpitations may be related to another cause or possibly an individual sensitivity to the supplement. Many supplements contain multiple ingredients, so it's also worth checking if other components might be responsible for the symptoms. In general, patients with palpitations may benefit from avoiding stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes, and may respond to therapy with beta blockers or other treatments, as noted in the guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease 1.
From the Research
Molybdenum and Palpitations
- There is limited direct evidence linking molybdenum to palpitations in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, a case report of acute human molybdenum toxicity from a dietary supplement describes a range of symptoms including petit mal seizures and a grand mal attack, but does not specifically mention palpitations 3.
- Molybdenum is an essential trace element and plays a crucial role in various enzymatic reactions, including those involved in energy production and antioxidant defenses 6.
- While the studies do not provide a clear link between molybdenum and palpitations, they do highlight the importance of molybdenum in human health and the potential risks associated with excessive intake or deficiency 2, 6.
- Other studies discuss the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia with beta-blockers, which can cause palpitations, but do not mention molybdenum 4, 5.