Manganese
Uses
Manganese is an essential trace mineral needed for healthy skin, bone, and cartilage formation, as well as glucose tolerance. It also helps activate superoxide dismutase (SOD)—an important antioxidant enzyme.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
2 Stars Tardive Dyskinesia For prevention: 15 mg daily while taking anti-psychotic medication; treat under a doctor's supervision: 60 mg daily | Supplementing with manganese may prevent onset or help reverse the condition. One doctor has found that administering the trace mineral (15 mg per day) can prevent the development of TD and that higher amounts (up to 60 mg per day) can reverse TD that has already developed. Other researchers have reported similar improvements with manganese. |
1 Star Goiter 800 IU daily | Deficiencies of manganese can contribute to iodine-deficiency goiter. Supplementing with manganese may help. When iodine deficiency is present, other nutrient levels become important in the development of goiter. Deficiencies of zinc and can both contribute to iodine-deficiency goiter; however, an animal study found that manganese excess can also be goitrogenic. It has been suggested that selenium deficiency may contribute to goiter. However, when selenium supplements were given to people deficient in both iodine and selenium, thyroid dysfunction was aggravated, and it has been suggested that selenium deficiency may provide some protection when there is iodine deficiency. A study of the effects of selenium supplementation at 100 mcg daily in women without selenium deficiency but with slightly low iodine intake found no effect on thyroid function. The authors concluded that selenium supplementation seems to be safe in people with only iodine deficiency but not in people with combined selenium and iodine deficiencies. In those cases, iodine supplementation has been shown to be most useful. No studies have been done to evaluate the usefulness of supplementation with zinc or manganese to prevent or treat goiter. |
1 Star Hypoglycemia Refer to label instructions | Manganese helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, and since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, it might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well. Research has shown that supplementing with chromium (200 mcg per day) or magnesium (340 mg per day) can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has also been found to be helpful for hypoglycemic people. Other nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, , and vitamin B6, may help control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, these nutrients might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well, although the amounts needed for that purpose are not known. |
1 Star Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Vitamin B6, Zinc) Refer to label instructions | Some doctors have reported good results using a combination of zinc, manganese, and vitamin B6 for people with Osgood-Schlatter disease. Another group of doctors has reported good results using a combination of zinc, , and vitamin B6 for people with Osgood-Schlatter disease; however, the amounts of these supplements were not mentioned in the report. Most physicians would consider reasonable daily amounts of these nutrients for adolescents to be 15 mg of zinc, 5 to 10 mg of manganese, and 25 mg of vitamin B6. Larger amounts might be used with medical supervision. |
1 Star Osteoporosis Refer to label instructions | A combination of minerals including manganese was reported to halt bone loss in one study. Some doctors recommend manganese to people concerned with bone mass maintenance. Interest in the effect of and bone health began when famed basketball player Bill Walton’s repeated fractures were halted with manganese supplementation. A subsequent, unpublished study reported manganese deficiency in a small group of osteoporotic women. Since then, a combination of minerals including manganese was reported to halt bone loss. However, no human trial has investigated the effect of manganese supplementation alone on bone mass. Nonetheless, some doctors recommend 10 to 20 mg of manganese per day to people concerned with maintenance of bone mass. One trial studying postmenopausal women combined hormone replacement therapy with magnesium (600 mg per day), calcium (500 mg per day), vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, and other nutrients for an eight- to nine-month period. In addition, participants were told to avoid processed foods, limit protein intake, emphasize vegetable over animal protein, and limit consumption of salt, sugar, alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, and tobacco. Bone density increased a remarkable 11%, compared to only 0.7% in women receiving hormone replacement alone. |
1 Star Sprains and Strains Refer to label instructions | Trace minerals, such as manganese, are known to be important in the biochemistry of tissue healing. Zinc is a component of many enzymes, including some that are needed to repair wounds. Even a mild deficiency of zinc can interfere with optimal recovery from everyday tissue damage as well as from more serious trauma. Trace minerals, such as , copper, and silicon are also known to be important in the biochemistry of tissue healing. However, there have been no controlled studies of people with sprains or strains to explore the effect of deficiency of these minerals, or of oral supplementation, on the rate of healing. |
1 Star Type 1 Diabetes Refer to label instructions | Supplementing with manganese may increase antioxidant defenses and improve blood sugar control in those with type 1 diabetes. Manganese is involved in the activity of an important antioxidant enzyme system in the body. A genetic variant linked to reduced activity of this enzymes system has been implicated as a factor in the development of type 1 diabetes and its complications. Low blood levels of manganese have been reported in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Animal research suggests that manganese supplementation can improve the functioning of this enzyme system, increase insulin secretion, and improve glucose metabolism. One team of researchers reported on a case of a young adult with insulin-dependent diabetes who received oral manganese (3 to 5 mg per day as manganese chloride) and experienced a significant fall in blood glucose, sometimes to dangerously low levels; however, three other people with type 1 diabetes they treated with manganese supplementation had no change in blood glucose levels. People with type 1 diabetes wishing to supplement with manganese should do so only with a doctor’s close supervision. |
1 Star Type 2 Diabetes 1.8 to 2.6 mg daily | Manganese is important as an antioxidant and metabolic regulator. Supplementation to prevent deficiency may be helpful for people with type 2 diabetes. Manganese is an important nutrient for the activation of antioxidant and metabolic enzyme systems. Both high and low manganese levels can contribute to increased oxidative stress and the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. Animal and laboratory research suggest manganese supplementation might improve insulin sensitivity and protect blood vessels from damage due to high glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Although clinical trials are lacking, taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement to ensure adequate manganese intake is a reasonable precautionary measure for people with type 2 diabetes. |
How to Use It
Whether most people would benefit from manganese supplementation remains unclear. While there is no recommended dietary allowance, the National Research Council’s “estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake” is 2–5 mg.1 The Institute of Medicine recommends that intake of manganese from food, water and dietary supplements should not exceed the tolerable daily upper limit of 11 mg per day. In contrast, the 5–15 mg often found in high-potency multivitamin-mineral supplements is generally considered to be a reasonable level by many doctors, though many manufacturers are likely to reformulate their products to contain no more than 11 mg per daily amount.
Where to Find It
Nuts and seeds, wheat germ, wheat bran, leafy green vegetables, beet tops, tea, and pineapple are all good sources of manganese.
Possible Deficiencies
Many people consume less than the 2–5 mg of manganese currently considered safe and adequate. Nonetheless, clear deficiencies are rare. People with osteoporosis sometimes have low blood levels of manganese, suggestive of deficiency.2
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Several minerals, such as calcium and iron, and possibly zinc, reduce the absorption of manganese.3 Of these interactions, the link to iron may be the most important. In one study, women with high iron status had relatively poor absorption of manganese.4 In another report of manganese/iron interactions in women, increased intake of “non-heme iron”—the kind of iron found in most supplements—decreased manganese status.5 These interactions suggest that taking multi-minerals that include manganese may protect against manganese deficiencies that might otherwise be triggered by taking isolated mineral supplements, particularly iron.
Interactions with Medicines
Certain medicines interact with this supplement.
Replenish Depleted Nutrients
- Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Drospirenone-Estetrol
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Drospirenone-Ethinyl Estradiol
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Drospir-Eth Estra-Levomefol Ca
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Estradiol Valerate-Dienogest
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Ethynodiol-Ethinyl Estradiol
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Levonorgest-Eth.Estradiol-Iron
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Levonorgestrel-Ethinyl Estrad
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Levonorg-Eth Estrad Triphasic
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- L-Norgest&E Estradiol-E Estrad
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Noreth-Ethinyl Estradiol-Iron
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Norethindrn A-E Estradiol-Iron
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Norethindrone Ac-Eth Estradiol
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Norethindrone-Ethin Estradiol
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Norethin-Eth Estrad Biphasic
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Norethin-Eth Estrad Triphasic
Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Norgestimate-Ethinyl Estradiol
A review of literature suggests that women who use OCs may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. OC use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. OCs may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
Reduce Side Effects
none
Support Medicine
none
Reduces Effectiveness
- Ciprofloxacin
Minerals such as aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, , and zinc can bind to ciprofloxacin, greatly reducing the absorption of the drug. Because of the mineral content, people are advised to take ciprofloxacin two hours after consuming dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and others), antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Rolaids®, and others), and mineral-containing supplements.
- Ciprofloxacin in D5W
Minerals such as aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, , and zinc can bind to ciprofloxacin, greatly reducing the absorption of the drug. Because of the mineral content, people are advised to take ciprofloxacin two hours after consuming dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and others), antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Rolaids®, and others), and mineral-containing supplements.
- Delafloxacin
Minerals such as aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, , and zinc can bind to ciprofloxacin, greatly reducing the absorption of the drug. Because of the mineral content, people are advised to take ciprofloxacin two hours after consuming dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and others), antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Rolaids®, and others), and mineral-containing supplements.
- Gatifloxacin
Minerals such as aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, , and zinc can bind to ciprofloxacin, greatly reducing the absorption of the drug. Because of the mineral content, people are advised to take ciprofloxacin two hours after consuming dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and others), antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Rolaids®, and others), and mineral-containing supplements.
- Gatifloxacin in D5W
Minerals such as aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, , and zinc can bind to ciprofloxacin, greatly reducing the absorption of the drug. Because of the mineral content, people are advised to take ciprofloxacin two hours after consuming dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and others), antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Rolaids®, and others), and mineral-containing supplements.
- Gemifloxacin
Minerals such as aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, , and zinc can bind to ciprofloxacin, greatly reducing the absorption of the drug. Because of the mineral content, people are advised to take ciprofloxacin two hours after consuming dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and others), antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Rolaids®, and others), and mineral-containing supplements.
- Levofloxacin
Minerals such as aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, , and zinc can bind to ciprofloxacin, greatly reducing the absorption of the drug. Because of the mineral content, people are advised to take ciprofloxacin two hours after consuming dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and others), antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Rolaids®, and others), and mineral-containing supplements.
- Levofloxacin in D5W
Minerals such as aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, , and zinc can bind to ciprofloxacin, greatly reducing the absorption of the drug. Because of the mineral content, people are advised to take ciprofloxacin two hours after consuming dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and others), antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Rolaids®, and others), and mineral-containing supplements.
- Moxifloxacin
Minerals such as aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, , and zinc can bind to ciprofloxacin, greatly reducing the absorption of the drug. Because of the mineral content, people are advised to take ciprofloxacin two hours after consuming dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and others), antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Rolaids®, and others), and mineral-containing supplements.
- Moxifloxacin in Saline
Minerals such as aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, , and zinc can bind to ciprofloxacin, greatly reducing the absorption of the drug. Because of the mineral content, people are advised to take ciprofloxacin two hours after consuming dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and others), antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Rolaids®, and others), and mineral-containing supplements.
- Norfloxacin
Minerals such as aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, , and zinc can bind to ciprofloxacin, greatly reducing the absorption of the drug. Because of the mineral content, people are advised to take ciprofloxacin two hours after consuming dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and others), antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Rolaids®, and others), and mineral-containing supplements.
- Ofloxacin
Minerals such as aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, , and zinc can bind to ciprofloxacin, greatly reducing the absorption of the drug. Because of the mineral content, people are advised to take ciprofloxacin two hours after consuming dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and others), antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Rolaids®, and others), and mineral-containing supplements.
Potential Negative Interaction
none
Explanation Required
- Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Ethinyl Estradiol and LevonorgestrelA review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone
A review of literature suggests that women who use OCs may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. OC use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. OCs may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
- Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestimate
- Levonorgestrel-Ethinyl Estrad
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
Side Effects
Amounts found in supplements (5–20 mg) have not been linked with any toxicity. Excessive intake of manganese rarely lead to psychiatric symptoms. However, most reports of manganese toxicity in otherwise healthy people have been in those people who chronically inhaled manganese dust at their jobs e.g., miners or alloy plant workers. Other sources of manganese intoxication are now recognized, including total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in patients who are being fed intravenously6, 7, 8 and pesticides containing manganese in agricultural workers who have been exposed.9
Preliminary research suggests that people with cirrhosis10 or cholestasis (blocked bile flow from the gall bladder)11 may not be able to properly excrete manganese. Until more is known, these people should not supplement manganese. Manganese supplementation (3–5 mg per day) has caused severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in a person with insulin-dependent diabetes.12 People with diabetes who want to take manganese should consult their doctor.
1. National Research Council. Recommended Dietary Allowances. 10th ed. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1989.
2. Raloff J. Reasons for boning up on manganese. Science News 1986;Sep 27:199 [review].
3. Freeland-Graves JH. Manganese: an essential nutrient for humans. Nutr Today 1989;23:13-9 [review].
4. Finley JW. Manganese absorption and retention by young women is associated with serum ferritin concentration. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:37-43.
5. Davis CD, Malecki EA, Gerger JL. Interactions among dietary manganese, heme iron, and nonheme iron in women. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;56:926-32.
6. Nagatomo S, Umehara F, Hanada K, et al. Manganese intoxication during total parenteral nutrition: report of two cases and review of the literature. J Neurol Sci 1999;162:102-5.
7. Ejima A, Imamura T, Nakamura S, et al. Manganese intoxication during total parenteral nutrition. Lancet 1992;339:426 [letter].
8. Fell JM, Reynolds AP, Meadows N, et al. Manganese toxicity in children receiving long-term parenteral nutrition. Lancet 1996;347:1218-21.
9. Ferraz HB, Bertolucci PH, Pereira JS, et al. Chronic exposure to the fungicide maneb may produce symptoms and signs of CNS manganese intoxication. Neurology 1988;38:550-3.
10. Krieger D, Krieger S, Jansen O, et al. Manganese and chronic hepatic encephalopathy. Lancet 1995;346:270-4.
11. Staunton M, Phelan DM. Manganese toxicity in a patient with cholestasis receiving total parenteral nutrition. Anaesthesia 1995;50:665.
12. Rubenstein AH, Levin NW, Elliott GA. Hypoglycaemia induced by manganese. Nature (London) 1962;194:188-9.
Last Review: 06-01-2015
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