Manganese

The Enzymatic Cofactor for Energy & Bone Health

An essential trace mineral that increases antioxidant defence, bone structures, and improves glucose homeostasis.

What is Manganese Good For?

Manganese is a vital cofactor for multiple enzymes (manganese superoxide dismutase, arginase, and pyruvate carboxylase) that regulate antioxidant protection in the mitochondria, contribute to connective tissue formation, and lower inflammation. Manganese deficiency has been associated with several skin conditions such as dermatitis and skin rashes.

 

Manganese supplementation may lead to:

  • Improvements in osteoporosis by increasing the bone cartilage and collagen synthesis

  • Protection against oxidative stress through stimulating manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) production in the mitochondria

  • Increased energy production and reduction of fatigue

  • Improved glucose tolerance by increasing insulin sensitivity (as demonstrated in animal studies)

  • Increased collagen production and wound healing by activating mitochondrial enzyme production (as demonstrated in animal studies)

  • Lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes through decreasing inflammation markers

What is Manganese?

Manganese is a naturally occurring trace mineral found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Though required only in small amounts, it is essential for key enzymatic reactions.

 

It plays a unique role in mitochondrial antioxidant defence, protecting cells from oxidative stress, and in skeletal health by aiding calcium and vitamin D–related pathways.

What is the Recommended Daily Dose of Manganese?

The European Union’s Nutrient Reference Value (EU NRV) for manganese is 2 mg per day. This dose is sufficient to meet daily adequate intake in adults.

Things to Know

Form

Typically provided as manganese sulfate, gluconate, or chelated amino acid complexes

Technology

Chelated forms may improve absorption and gastrointestinal tolerance

Region

Globally recognised essential nutrient with harmonised NRV values across major regulatory markets

Data

Acknowledged by EFSA and WHO evaluations on bone and metabolic health

Manganese in Detail

Clinical Dose
Clinical Dose

2 mg (EU NRV)

Source
Source

Trace mineral, available in salts or chelated complexes

Technology
Technology

Chelation improves solubility and absorption compared to inorganic salts

Key Benefits
Key Benefits
  • Meets 100% of EU NRV at 2 mg
  • Cofactor in antioxidant enzyme MnSOD
  • Contributes to normal bone structure
  • Supports normal connective tissue formation
  • Essential for metabolism of macronutrients
Data
Data

Long-established essential nutrient with evidence in antioxidant defence, energy metabolism, and skeletal health.

Your Questions About Manganese

Reach us arrow_forward
It’s an essential trace mineral required for enzyme function, bone strength, and antioxidant defence.
It contributes to bone health, collagen production, energy metabolism, and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
Manganese uniquely activates MnSOD, a critical mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme not dependent on other minerals.
Manganese is safe at nutritional doses. Chronic excessive intake (>10 mg/day) may affect neurological function.
Yes, it works synergistically with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D for bone health, and with zinc and copper in antioxidant defence.

Discover your formula of ingredients

No two people are the same. That’s why your formula is uniquely yours. We select the most effective ingredients based on your health data, lifestyle, and goals — ensuring your capsules are both efficient and safe.

Discover your formulaarrow_forwardMembership plan

References

The Science That Supports Us

Cognitive and Neurological Support

Davis, C. and Greger, J. (1992) ‘Longitudinal changes of manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase and other indexes of manganese and iron status in women’, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 55(3), pp. 747–752. doi:10.1093/ajcn/55.3.747.

Mental Health

EFSA (2010) Scientific opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to manganese and reduction of tiredness and fatigue (ID 312), contribution to normal formation of connective tissue (ID 404) and contribution to normal energy yielding metabolism (ID 405) pursuant to Article 13(1) of regulation (EC) no 1924/2006 - - 2010 - EFSA journal - wiley online library. Available at: https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1808 (Accessed: 01 October 2025). 

Nerve Repair

Freeland-Graves, J.H., Mousa, T.Y. and Sanjeevi, N. (2014) ‘Nutritional requirements for Manganese’, Manganese in Health and Disease, pp. 34–75. doi:10.1039/9781782622383-00034. 

Immune System Support

Gong, J.H. et al. (2020) ‘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, 43(6), pp. 1344–1351. doi:10.2337/dc20-0243.

Immune System Support

Lee, S.-H. et al. (2013) ‘Manganese supplementation protects against diet-induced diabetes in wild type mice by enhancing insulin secretion’, Endocrinology, 154(3), pp. 1029–1038. doi:10.1210/en.2012-1445.

Immune System Support

Li, L. and Yang, X. (2018) ‘The essential element manganese, oxidative stress, and metabolic diseases: Links and interactions’, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2018(1). doi:10.1155/2018/7580707.

Immune System Support

Rondanelli, M. et al. (2021) ‘Essentiality of manganese for Bone Health: An overview and update’, Natural Product Communications, 16(5). doi:10.1177/1934578x211016649.