What are Manganese Supplements?

Manganese supplements are taken to augment the levels of manganese taken in through dietary sources, either to promote general good health or to address any of a number of specific conditions or health concerns. Readily available over the counter, manganese supplements can be purchased either as standalone supplements or as multivitamins. They most often are taken orally as tablets or capsules, but injectable forms of manganese supplements also are available and may be taken with the assistance of a medical professional.

Although manganese is present in many foods and deficiency is very uncommon, many people take manganese supplements to boost these levels. Some take manganese supplements in an attempt to increase energy, to reduce weight or to stimulate antioxidant activity. Supplements also have been recommended to treat a vast array of conditions, including baldness, confusion, dermatitis, arthritis and osteoporosis, although no medical evidence supports any of these proposed treatments.

Normally present in the body at trace levels, manganese is an important mineral for good health. Approximately 20 milligrams (mg) of manganese usually is present in the human body, with the highest concentrations found in the pancreas, liver, kidneys and bones. It plays a role in metabolism and has an effect on blood sugar levels and the body’s use of fats and carbohydrates. Manganese also affects the growth and formation of bone and connective tissue as well as the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Other processes dependent on manganese include disease resistance, thyroid function and recovery from muscular injuries.

Food sources for manganese include cereals, whole grains, dry fruit, peas, dry beans and leafy green vegetables. Only trace levels of the mineral are required for good health, so there is no Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). Health professionals generally agree that 2 to 5 mg is sufficient for most adults.

No cases of manganese deficiency have been reported in humans, though some speculate that mineral levels might contribute to a number of medical conditions. Effects of manganese deficiency have been observed in some animals, though, and symptoms include impaired or improper growth, improper skeletal formation, reduced tolerance to glucose, reproductive dysfunction, muscle disorders and an impaired ability to metabolize carbohydrates. Mineral deficient animals also were observed to be more susceptible to epilepsy and diabetes.

At higher dosages, toxicity becomes a concern. Although dangerous levels are most often inhaled as a dust, most experts agree that manganese supplements should not be taken in excess of 11 mg daily. Over time, excessive levels of the mineral potentially could result in a condition similar to Parkinson’s disease.