Manganese is an essential trace mineral that your body requires in small quantities.
It is known for supporting normal functioning of the brain, nervous system, bone and joint health as well as various important enzyme systems within the body[i][ii][iii].
The body stores manganese quite well. However, as it is an essential nutrient, it's necessary to obtain it from your diet[iv][v].
Manganese can be found in oysters, nuts, legumes such as soybeans and leafy green vegetables[vi]. It is present in smaller quantities in tea and spices like black pepper. Dietary sources provide the good amounts of manganese to support your overall health, and many supplements will contain manganese to support various functions in the body. Some supplements may contain manganese to support a particular condition [vii][viii].
Research suggests that manganese may offer potential benefits in treating inflammatory disorders, regulating blood sugar levels[ix] and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease[x]. Various studies support the requirement of manganese in osteoporosis, a condition commonly occurring in post-menopausal women [xi][xii][xiii]. Manganese is also said to be of benefit in reducing inflammation, providing kidney health support and reducing adrenal fatigue and premenstrual syndrome[xiv].
Nervous system side effects may result in excessive dosages. This is usually reported in high doses, over 11 mg per day[xv]. However, it is advisable to always follow the directions of your nutritional therapist or dose as described on the product packaging [xvi][xvii].
Magnesium-containing antacids may decrease the absorption of manganese if taken together. Likewise, magnesium containing laxatives may decrease the absorption of manganese if taken together.[xviii]. Other interactions include some blood pressure medications and antibiotics, namely Tetracycline antibiotics and Quinolone antibiotics. Prior to taking manganese, please consult with your prescriber if taking any medications which may interact.
During pregnancy, manganese is an important mineral that is needed for the healthy development of the baby. However, studies have found levels of manganese that are too high may affect motor skills and cognitive abilities of the baby[xix]. Proper directions for dosages should always be followed, as mentioned earlier. If you have any queries or require any further information regarding manganese please get in touch today.
Wound healing (Post Surgery Healing) , Osteoporosis , Kidney Support , Adrenal Fatigue , Inflammation
[i] Sarban S, Isikan UE, Kocabey Y, Kocyigit A. Relationship between synovial fluid and plasma manganese, arginase, and nitric oxide in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2007 Feb;115(2):97-106. Erratum in: Biol Trace Elem Res. 2007 Summer;117(1-3):155.
[ii] Palacios C. The role of nutrients in bone health, from A to Z. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2006;46(8):621-8.
[iii] Rondanelli M, Faliva MA, Peroni G, et al. Essentiality of Manganese for Bone Health: An Overview and Update. Natural Product Communications. 2021;16(5).
[iv] Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2001.
[v] Avila DS, Puntel RL, Aschner M. Manganese in health and disease. Met Ions Life Sci. 2013;13:199-227.. PMID: 24470093; PMCID: PMC6589086.
[vi] Li L, Yang X. The Essential Element Manganese, Oxidative Stress, and Metabolic Diseases: Links and Interactions. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 Apr 5;2018:7580707.
[vii] J.L. Greger, Dietary Standards for Manganese: Overlap between Nutritional and Toxicological Studies1, 2,
The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 128, Issue 2, 1998, Pages 368S-371S.
[viii] National Institutes of Health. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factshe...
[ix] Ekmekcioglu C, Prohaska C, Pomazal K, Steffan I, Schernthaner G, Marktl W. Concentrations of seven trace elements in different hematological matrices in patients with type 2 diabetes as compared to healthy controls. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2001;79(3):205-219.
[x] Meishuo O, Eshak ES, Muraki I, Cui R, Shirai K, Iso H, Tamakoshi A. Association between Dietary Manganese Intake and Mortality from Cardiovascular Disease in Japanese Population: The Japan Collaborative Cohort Study. J Atheroscler Thromb. 2022 Oct 1;29(10):1432-1447.
[xi] ConsumerLab.com 2001. Some supplements for arthritis may exceed newly released safe intake levels for manganese [news release]. PR Newswire; January 29, 2001
[xii] Morselli B, Neuenschwander B, Perrelet R, Lippunter K. Osteoporosis diet [in German]. Ther Umsch. 2000;57(3):152-160.
[xiii] Odabasi E, Turan M, Aydin A, Akay C, Kutlu M. Magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium levels in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Can magnesium play a key role in osteoporosis? Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2008 Jul;37(7):564-7.
[xiv] Bendich A. The potential for dietary supplements to reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. J Am Coll Nut. 2000;19(1):3-11.
[xv] Aschner M, Erikson K. Manganese. Adv Nutr. 2017 May 15;8(3):520-521. doi: 10.3945/an.117.015305. PMID: 28507016; PMCID: PMC5421128.
[xvi] J.L. Greger, Dietary Standards for Manganese: Overlap between Nutritional and Toxicological Studies1, 2,
The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 128, Issue 2, 1998, Pages 368S-371S.
[xvii] Son EW, Lee SR, Choi HS, Koo HJ, et al. Effects of supplementation with higher levels of manganese and magnesium on immune function. Arch Pharm Res. 2007 Jun;30(6):743-9.
[xviii] Linus Pauling Institute. Drug-Nutrient Interactions. N.D. Available at: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/bo...
[xix] Zota AR, Ettinger AS, Bouchard M, et al. Maternal blood manganese levels and infant birth weight. Epidemiology. 2009; 20(3):367-73.
Vorhees CV, Graham DL, Amos-Kroohs RM, Braun AA, Grace CE, Schaefer TL, Skelton MR, Erikson KM, Aschner M, Williams MT. Effects of developmental manganese, stress, and the combination of both on monoamines, growth, and corticosterone. Toxicol Rep. 2014;1:1046-1061
Gong JH, Lo K, Liu Q, Li J, Lai S, Shadyab AH, Arcan C, Snetselaar L, Liu S. Dietary Manganese, Plasma Markers of Inflammation, and the Development of Type 2 Diabetes in Postmenopausal Women: Findings From the Women's Health Initiative. Diabetes Care. 2020 Jun;43(6):1344-1351.
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