Pathology

Breakspear Medical Pathology Department

Urinary Sulphite Test

Improving the body's molybdenum status may improve the symptoms of allergy and alleviate chemical sensitivity.

Sulphite (SO3) entering, or produced in, the body is normally detoxified by addition of an oxygen atom (an oxidation reaction) to form sulphate (SO4).  This process requires the enzyme sulphite oxidase.

This enzyme, in turn, requires the presence of a co-factor, the trace element metal, molybdenum; if the enzyme is underactive, it suggests that there is a deficiency of molybdenum, the co-factor.

This trace element can be supplemented, ideally intravenously.

The test requires an early morning urine sample.