Manganese
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Evidence Summary
Manganese is an essential trace mineral involved in various metabolic processes, including bone formation and antioxidant defense. Research focuses on its role in neurodegenerative diseases, joint health, and wound healing, though much of the high-level evidence currently examines mineral levels in disease states rather than therapeutic supplementation.
Evidence by Condition
Meta-analyses have investigated the relationship between trace elements, including manganese, and the risk of Alzheimer's dementia.
A pilot study investigated the use of manganese ascorbate in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin for knee or low back disease.
Research has focused on measuring manganese levels in the brain and biological fluids of Parkinson's patients, but therapeutic efficacy is not established in the provided studies.
A randomized trial explored a topical cream containing manganese, copper, and zinc for improving wound healing after laser resurfacing.
Effective Doses
The Dietary Reference Intake (AI) for males aged 19-50 is 2.3 mg/day.
Key Findings
- Trace elements, including manganese, are linked to Alzheimer's dementia in population-based meta-analyses (PMID: 36464120).
- Manganese levels in the brain and biological fluids are a subject of study in Parkinson's disease (PMID: 41677652).
- Manganese ascorbate has been studied as part of a regimen for degenerative joint disease (PMID: 10050562).
- Topical applications of manganese, copper, and zinc are being researched for post-laser resurfacing wound healing (PMID: 32378273).
Limitations
Much of the available research is limited to animal models (cattle) or focuses on observing mineral levels in disease rather than large-scale human clinical trials for supplementation. There is also a lack of specific therapeutic dose-response data in human subjects within the provided studies.
Safety & Interactions
High dietary manganese has been shown to affect iron metabolism when combined with copper deficiency (noted in animal models, PMID: 19820055).
AI-generated summary from 11 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Dietary Reference Intakes
Source: IOM/NAM Dietary Reference Intakes · Dietary Reference Intakes: Manganese
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 100% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 74% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 37% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (11)
**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.envpol.2022.12...
**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 deficiency alone....
**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, performance, and ...
**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 Patients:...
**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 trial. BMD-MN ...
**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 hematological malign...
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 in the trea...
**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 study. Mil...
**Source:** [Office of Dietary Supplements, NIH](https://ods.od.nih.gov:443/factsheets/Manganese-HealthProfessional/) **Reading Level:** Health Professional This fact sheet from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements provides evidence-based informatio...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is manganese and why is it important?
Manganese is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in various metabolic processes. It is specifically important for bone formation and supporting the body's antioxidant defense.
Can manganese help prevent Alzheimer's disease?
There is moderate evidence suggesting a link between manganese levels and the risk of Alzheimer's dementia. However, most current research focuses on observing mineral levels in populations rather than using it as a direct treatment.
Does manganese help with joint pain or arthritis?
There is weak evidence regarding manganese for degenerative joint disease. Some studies have investigated using manganese ascorbate alongside glucosamine and chondroitin for knee or low back issues.
Is there any evidence that manganese helps with wound healing?
There is currently insufficient evidence to support manganese for wound healing. Some research has explored the use of topical creams containing manganese, copper, and zinc for healing after laser resurfacing.
Can manganese supplements treat Parkinson's disease?
There is insufficient evidence to establish the therapeutic efficacy of manganese for Parkinson's disease. Current studies primarily focus on measuring manganese levels in the brain and biological fluids of patients.
What is the recommended daily dose of manganese?
The Dietary Reference Intake (AI) for males between the ages of 19 and 50 is 2.3 mg per day. You should consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dose for your specific needs.
Are there any safety concerns or side effects with manganese?
High dietary intake of manganese has been shown to potentially affect iron metabolism, particularly when combined with a copper deficiency. While no specific drug interactions have been documented, you should consult a doctor before use.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.