Ingredient
Manganese
The Enzymatic Cofactor for Energy & Bone Health
An essential trace mineral that increases antioxidant defence, supports bone structures, and improves glucose homeostasis.
What is Manganese Good For?
Manganese serves as a vital cofactor for multiple enzymes including manganese superoxide dismutase, arginase, and pyruvate carboxylase. These regulate antioxidant protection in mitochondria, contribute to connective tissue formation, and lower inflammation. Manganese deficiency links to skin conditions such as dermatitis and rashes.
Potential benefits of supplementation
- Improvements in osteoporosis through increased bone cartilage and collagen synthesis
- Oxidative stress protection via stimulated manganese superoxide dismutase production
- Increased energy production and fatigue reduction
- Improved glucose tolerance by increasing insulin sensitivity (animal studies)
- Increased collagen production and wound healing through mitochondrial enzyme activation (animal studies)
- Reduced type 2 diabetes risk through decreased inflammation markers
What is Manganese?
Manganese is a naturally occurring trace mineral found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Though required in small amounts, it's essential for key enzymatic reactions.
It plays a unique role in mitochondrial antioxidant defence, protecting cells from oxidative stress, and supports skeletal health by aiding calcium and vitamin D-related pathways.
Recommended Daily Dose
2 mg (EU NRV)
The EU NRV for manganese is 2 mg per day, sufficient to meet daily adequate intake in adults.
Manganese in Detail
- Clinical Dose
- 2 mg (EU NRV)
- Source
- Trace mineral (manganese sulfate, gluconate, or chelated amino acid complexes)
- Technology
- Chelation improves absorption and GI tolerance
- Key Benefits
- Cofactor in antioxidant enzyme MnSOD (mitochondrial antioxidant)
- Contributes to normal bone structure and connective tissue
- Supports energy metabolism and reduces fatigue
- Improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity
- Lowers risk of type 2 diabetes through anti-inflammatory effects
- Data
- Acknowledged by EFSA and WHO evaluations on bone and metabolic health.
Supports
Your Questions About Manganese
What is Manganese?
Essential trace mineral required for enzyme function, bone strength, and antioxidant defence.
What are the benefits of Manganese?
Contributes to bone health, collagen production, energy metabolism, and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
How is Manganese different from other minerals?
Uniquely activates MnSOD, a critical mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme not dependent on other minerals.
Are there any side effects?
Safe at nutritional doses. Chronic excessive intake (>10 mg/day) may affect neurological function.
Can Manganese be combined with other minerals?
Yes, works synergistically with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D for bone health, and with zinc and copper in antioxidant defence.
The Science That Supports Us
- 1Davis, C. & Greger, J. (1992). Manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase changes in women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 55(3), 747–752.
- 2EFSA (2010). Scientific opinion on manganese health claims. EFSA Journal.
- 3Gong, J.H. et al. (2020). Dietary manganese, inflammation markers, and type 2 diabetes in postmenopausal women. European Journal of Nutrition.
- 4Lee, S.-H. et al. (2013). Manganese supplementation protecting against diet-induced diabetes. Endocrinology.
- 5Rondanelli, M. et al. (2021). Manganese essentiality for bone health. Nutrients.
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