Manganese
Also known as manganese gluconate, manganese sulfate, mn
Key takeaways
- Manganese levels are being investigated as biomarkers or factors in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (PMID: 36464120, PMID: 41677652).
- Manganese ascorbate was studied alongside glucosamine and chondroitin for degenerative joint disease (PMID: 10050562).
- A combination of manganese, copper, and collagen peptides was used in a rehabilitation project for chronic low back pain (PMID: 33568038).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 11 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Manganese is an essential trace mineral involved in bone health, joint function, and neurological processes. Research is fragmented, with evidence ranging from dietary adequacy guidelines to its role in joint rehabilitation and its association with neurodegenerative diseases.
By condition
Joint and Bone Health
Weak
Manganese is used in combination therapies for low back pain and degenerative joint disease, though evidence from pilot studies and rehabilitation projects is limited.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Insufficient
Meta-analyses have explored manganese levels in relation to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, but these are observational or systematic reviews rather than interventional trials.
Wound Healing
Weak
Topical application of a copper-zinc-manganese cream has been studied for improving post-laser resurfacing wound healing.
Effective doses
Dietary Reference Intake (AI) for adult males (19-50) is 2.3 mg/day.
Safety & interactions
Refer to NIH Office of Dietary Supplements for toxicity levels; excessive intake can be neurotoxic.
Limitations
Much of the provided evidence is based on animal models (cattle) or small pilot studies, and there is a lack of large-scale human RCTs for specific therapeutic outcomes.
Dietary Reference Intakes
Source: IOM/NAM · Dietary Reference Intakes: Manganese
| Measure | Value | Description |
|---|
Top-rated Manganese products
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How it's sold
Data aggregated from 103 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 11 sources, sorted by quality
**Li et al., 2023** | Environ Pollut | Meta Analysis Li Kai, Li Ang, ... Xu Qun. Trace elements and Alzheimer dementia in population-based studies: A bibliometric and meta-analysis. Environ Pollut. 2023-Feb-01;318:120782. doi:10.1016/j.envp…
**Hansen et al., 2010** | J Anim Sci | Rct Hansen S L, Trakooljul N, ... Spears J W. Proteins involved in iron metabolism in beef cattle are affected by copper deficiency in combination with high dietary manganese, but not by copper deficie…
**Prados et al., 2017** | J Anim Sci | Rct Prados L F, Sathler D F T, ... Chizzotti M L. Reducing mineral usage in feedlot diets for Nellore cattle: II. Impacts of calcium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and zinc contents on intake, perform…
**Jiménez-Jiménez et al., 2026** | Cells | Meta Analysis Jiménez-Jiménez Félix Javier, Alonso-Navarro Hortensia, ... Agúndez José A G. Copper, Ceruloplasmin, Zinc, and Manganese Levels in Brain and Biological Fluids from Parkinson's Disease…
**Fogelman et al., 2000** | J Clin Endocrinol Metab | Rct Fogelman I, Ribot C, ... Reginster J Y. Risedronate reverses bone loss in postmenopausal women with low bone mass: results from a multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled tria…
**Source**: IOM 2001 Dietary Reference Intakes for Manganese **Unit**: mg/day | Population | AI | |---|---| | Male 19-50 | 2.3 mg/day |
Micronutrient intake among hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients is poorly studied. This randomized control trial (RCT) assessed the effect of nutritional counseling on micronutrient intake post HSCT. Patients with hematologi…
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Low back pain (LBP) is a frequent symptom. Among the causes that can determine it, lumbar osteoarthritis plays an important role. Therapeutic exercise, according to McKenzie method, has been shown to be effective i…
**Leffler et al., 1999** | Mil Med | Rct Leffler C T, Philippi A F, ... Kim P D. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and manganese ascorbate for degenerative joint disease of the knee or low back: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot …
Frequently asked questions
What is manganese and what is it used for?
Manganese is an essential trace mineral involved in bone health, joint function, and neurological processes. It is commonly used in combination therapies for low back pain and degenerative joint disease, although the evidence for these specific uses is limited.
Does manganese help with joint pain or arthritis?
Research on manganese for degenerative joint disease and low back pain shows weak evidence, primarily from pilot studies and rehabilitation projects. While it is sometimes used in combination therapies, the evidence is limited and not considered strong.
What is the recommended daily dose of manganese?
The Adequate Intake (AI) for adult males aged 19-50 is 2.3 mg per day. This guideline is based on Dietary Reference Intakes established by the Institute of Medicine in 2001.
Is manganese safe to take long-term?
Excessive intake of manganese can be neurotoxic, so it is important to adhere to recommended levels. You should consult the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements for specific toxicity guidelines and speak with a healthcare provider before long-term use.
Does manganese interact with any medications?
No drug interactions have been documented for manganese in the available evidence. However, individuals on medications or with health conditions should still consult a healthcare provider to ensure safety.
Who should avoid taking manganese supplements?
Individuals at risk of excessive intake should avoid supplements to prevent neurotoxicity. Pregnant individuals, those with liver disease, or people taking other medications should consult a healthcare provider before use, as safety data for these groups is not explicitly detailed in the summary.
Can manganese help with wound healing?
There is weak evidence suggesting that topical application of a cream containing manganese, copper, and zinc may improve wound healing after laser resurfacing. This evidence is limited to specific topical studies and does not apply to oral supplementation.