Article: Molybdenum

Apr 9, 2019

Molybdenum

Eczema sufferers are commonly sensitive to sulphite-rich products including wine, grape juice and vinegar, and it could be due to molybdenum deficiency. Sulphite sensitivity signs also include hives, wheezing, asthma, discolouration of the skin, eczema, dermatitis, swelling, diarrhoea and anaphylaxis. Deficiency signs of molybdenum include acne, allergies, asthma, rapid heart rate, sulphite intolerance, multiple chemical intolerances and sensitivity to mould and yeast.

How does sulphite sensitivity occur? Molybdenum plays an essential role in activating an enzyme called sulphite oxidase (SO), which plays a key role in breaking down sulphites in the liver. It also acts as a cofactor for xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase which are involved in breaking down sulphur amino acids and heterocyclic compounds including purines and pyridines, which are amino acids in the body. Molybdenum helps the liver process sulphites, carbon and nitrogen, and safely metabolizes drugs and toxins. For example, if you have a Candida albicans infestation in your gut (from eating high-sugar foods), a toxin called acetaldehyde is produced during candida die-off. This toxin can cause fatigue, foggy brain function, joint pains and skin inflammation. However, taking molybdenum can reduce the adverse symptoms as it helps the liver to deactivate acetaldehyde.

Molybdenum: dosages and food sources

Molybdenum (also known as)

Supplement dosages (milligrams per day)

Eczema-friendly food sources

Molybdenum trioxide
Molybdenum amino acid chelate

Infants (AI)

2–3 mcg from breastmilk or hypoallergenic (dairy-free) infant formula

Children + teens

1–4 years: 17–22 mcg
5–12 years: 22–45 mcg
14–18 years: 34–67 mcg (girls); 43–67 mcg (boys)

Adults

45–67 μg (up to 150 mcg) (mcg is also referred to as μg)

1⁄2 cup lentils: 74 mcg
1⁄2 cup dried peas: 73 mcg (avoid fresh peas)
1⁄2 cup lima beans: 70 mcg
1⁄2 cup soybeans: 64 mcg
1⁄2 cup black beans: 64 mcg
1⁄2 cup chickpeas (garbanzo beans): 61 mcg
1⁄4 cup oats: 28 mcg
2 cups cos (romaine) lettuce: 5.6 mcg^
1⁄3 cup barley: 26 mcg
1⁄2 cup chopped carrots: 3 mcg^
1⁄2 cup chopped celery: 2.5 mcg

AI: Adequate Intake as per Australian Government guidelines (the RDI is the lower dose). The higher range is the therapeutic range.
^Contains salicylates (not suitable during weeks 1–3 of the FID Program).

Notes:

Molybdenum is an essential mineral (i.e. your body does not make it) so you need to consume it in your diet. Molybdenum-rich foods are legumes, beans and lentils, so if you avoid these foods a deficiency can develop.
People with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or gluten intolerance, can end up with molybdenum deficiency.
Molybdenum is an important ingredient in Skin Friend AM, and can be found along side vitamin B5, vitamin B6 and zinc to help your liver detoxify chemicals.

Products

At Eczema Life, we recommend nutritionist Karen Fischer's low food chemical program (The Eczema Detox) along with additive-free supplements for skin health and wellbeing. Click on the images to view more details:

Written by Karen Fischer

Protein

If you are vegan, vegetarian, over age 60 or want to supplement your weight-training program with more protein, a suitable protein powder is pure pea protein that has no flavourings or other ingred...

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is essential for healthy skin and a normal functioning immune system...

Got a question?

read our FAQs

PRODUCTS

Do I need to have eczema to buy Skin Friend products?

No you don't need to have eczema to buy from us. We are a health-focused company with products for all skin types and health concerns, from eczema, acne and ageing skin, to fatigue, immunity and muscle cramps – we’ve got you covered. Our pure powder supplements can be taken for general health and wellbeing, there are no nasties, the doses are safe for long-term use and they help protect against common nutritional deficiencies. This is especially great for little ones who are fussy eaters! Our skincare is suitable for all skin types, from sensitive, dry and cracked to normal. Take our QUIZ to get a tailored recommendation to find products that suit your needs.

What is the difference between Eczema Friend and Wonder Zinc?

Both creams target irritated skin but differ in texture and benefits. Eczema Friend is our TGA-registered rash cream that relieves symptoms of mild eczema, dermatitis, red rashes and itchy skin. If you are fussy about creams, you’ll love Eczema Friend as it looks and feels invisible when applied to your skin. Eczema Friend is deeply moisturising and it looks and feels like 24-Hour Rescue, but it’s even more hydrating!

Wonder Zinc contains iodine-rich organic seaweed extract and non-nano zinc to soothe and seal scratches and cracked and irritated skin, and it soothes nappy (diaper) rash by acting as a barrier. Wonder Zinc has a lightly oily zinc cream feel and a slight earthy scent thanks to a tiny amount of natural seaweed extract. All our creams are free of fragrance (parfum, which are hormone disrupters) so we let the natural scents shine.

You can use Eczema Friend and Wonder Zinc at the same time (apply Eczema Friend first) or use them separately. Shop for Eczema Friend here and Wonder Zinc here.

What is the best eczema cream for itchy eczema?

Eczema Friend is a new generation itch-busting eczema cream, launching in 2025 but you can order it now for early-bird delivery in 2024. This lush, invisible eczema cream took two years to create; it's a TGA-registered skin cream and was awarded an innovation grant from the Australian Government. Our Skin Friend community tested it and provided feedback so we know this eczema cream effectively relieves symptoms of mild eczema, dermatitis, red rashes and itchy skin. Grab Eczema Friend here.

What cream is best for baby eczema?

Eczema Friend, our itch-busting eczema cream, is suitable for babies and toddlers. It contains gentle ingredients that soothe skin. Apply it 1-3 times daily. Eczema Friend relieves symptoms of mild eczema, dermatitis, red rashes and itchy skin. It is a steroid-free rash cream. Shop for Eczema Friend here.

If your baby has nappy rash (diaper rash), apply Wonder Zinc to the irritated area, as Wonder Zinc relieves nappy rash by acting as a barrier. Shop for Wonder Zinc here.

Do you have a non-steroid eczema cream for face eczema?

Facial eczema can be extra sensitive, especially around the eye area. Eczema Friend is a steroid-free eczema cream that is safe to use on your face and eye lids.

Should I stop applying topical steroids to my skin rash?

No. If you are currently using a topical steroid to treat your eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or rosacea, our nutritionist Karen Fischer says to chat with your doctor about weaning off slowly (e.g. half strength or every second day). Topical steroids are generally safe for short-term use. But with long-term or excessive use, your skin may become thin and fragile, so don’t suddenly stop using topical steroids as this may cause rebound flares or red skin syndrome. In the meantime, you can apply Eczema Friend under the steroid cream to help strengthen your skin barrier. Then after a month or so, you might be able to switch to just using Eczema Friend.

Again, chat with your doctor first and don't go cold turkey. Slow and steady wins the race. Dietary changes and avoiding your triggers are also important so buy our Eczema Detox Clear Skin Toolkit to combat your eczema naturally from both inside and out.

Orders

Do you ship overseas?

Yes, we ship our products from Australia to the following countries: the United States, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand and the United Kingdom (England, Scotland and Wales only).

FYI: Canadian and UK orders might be subject to customs tax, which is often (but not always) charged by your country. You will be required to pay this tax once the package arrives in your country. If we were Harry Potter we could make this charge go away, but we can't :)

How long will it take to get my order?

It depends on where you live. We are located in Queensland, Australia. If you choose the standard shipping option, orders within Australia will take 5-7 business days to arrive. Express shipping will be a speedy 1-3 business days.

Overseas deliveries can take anywhere from 7-16 days, but they are often sooner rather than later. If you want your order within 5 to 10 days, choose the Express Shipping option. Delivery details, including your shipping tracking number, will be provided in our Shipping Confirmation email so it's easy to track your order.

Got another question?

You can contact us through our contact page or email support@skinfriend.com and we will be happy to assist you.

click for specialist products to suit your needs

shop solutions

Satisfied or refunded

We want you to love shopping with Skin Friend so we have a "gentle-on-skin 90-day money-back guarantee" for skincare and supplements, so there is no risk.

eco friend

Our skincare and supps are vegan and not tested on animals. We don't individually box our products, use plastic wrapping or promo material. Our skincare tubes contain 20% recycled material, and are biodegradable and recyclable.

Secure payments

We want to be your new BFF so we respect your privacy and provide risk-free payment options including PayPal, Apple Pay, Shopify Payments and Shop. Your details are always private.

AUSTRALIAN MADE

Want quality products? Our skincare and supps are made in Australia in TGA-approved facilities that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. Our quality is assured.