Manganese
Research reviewed: 2025-2026
Manganese (Manganese (Mn²⁺)) is a dietary supplement with 11 published peer-reviewed studies involving 480 participants, researched for Antioxidant Support, Bone Health, Glucose Metabolism and 5 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Antioxidant Support
ModerateBone Health
ModerateGlucose Metabolism
ModerateNeurological Function
WeakLiver Health
ModerateKidney Health
ModerateCognitive Function
ModerateAnti-Inflammatory
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Antioxidant Support
To summarise the role of manganese in mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) function.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To summarise the role of manganese in mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) function.
Dose
N/A
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
Manganese is the essential cofactor for mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), which neutralises superoxide radicals in mitochondria. Adequate manganese intake is critical for maintaining mitochondrial antioxidant defences.
How They Measured It
Review of biochemical and clinical data on manganese and MnSOD
To assess manganese supplementation on antioxidant enzyme activities in elderly subjects.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess manganese supplementation on antioxidant enzyme activities in elderly subjects.
Dose
15 mg/day manganese
Participants
52 elderly adults
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Manganese supplementation significantly increased MnSOD activity and reduced plasma MDA in elderly subjects with marginal manganese status. No significant changes in other antioxidant enzymes.
How They Measured It
MnSOD, glutathione peroxidase activity, plasma MDA
Bone Health
To evaluate a multi-mineral supplement including manganese on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate a multi-mineral supplement including manganese on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
Dose
5 mg/day manganese plus calcium, copper, and zinc
Participants
137 postmenopausal women
Duration
24 months
Results
The multi-mineral group including manganese maintained significantly higher spinal BMD compared to calcium alone. Manganese's role in proteoglycan synthesis for cartilage matrix is considered key.
How They Measured It
DXA bone mineral density at spine and hip, bone turnover markers
Glucose Metabolism
To investigate manganese supplementation on insulin secretion and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetics.
Study Type
Randomised, controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate manganese supplementation on insulin secretion and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetics.
Dose
10 mg/day manganese
Participants
47 type 2 diabetic patients
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Manganese supplementation improved insulin secretion (elevated C-peptide) and reduced fasting blood glucose compared to baseline. Manganese is a cofactor for glucokinase and arginase, enzymes involved in glucose metabolism.
How They Measured It
Fasting blood glucose, C-peptide, insulin, HbA1c
To examine the association between serum manganese and type 2 diabetes risk.
Study Type
Cross-sectional study
Purpose
To examine the association between serum manganese and type 2 diabetes risk.
Dose
Dietary intake assessment
Participants
3,228 adults
Duration
Cross-sectional
Results
Lower serum manganese levels were significantly associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, independent of other dietary factors. Manganese adequacy may be protective against type 2 diabetes.
How They Measured It
Serum manganese, fasting glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR
Neurological Function
To examine the dual role of manganese in neurological function and toxicity.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To examine the dual role of manganese in neurological function and toxicity.
Dose
N/A
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
At physiological levels, manganese is essential for glutamine synthetase activity and neurotransmitter metabolism. Manganese deficiency impairs neurological function, while excess causes neurotoxicity, highlighting the importance of balanced intake.
How They Measured It
Literature review of manganese neurobiology
To evaluate the effect of manganese deficiency on brain glutamine synthetase and neurological behaviour.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of manganese deficiency on brain glutamine synthetase and neurological behaviour.
Dose
Manganese-deficient diet
Participants
Sprague-Dawley rats
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Manganese-deficient animals showed significantly reduced brain glutamine synthetase activity and impaired locomotor co-ordination. Repletion with manganese restored both enzyme activity and normal behaviour.
How They Measured It
Brain glutamine synthetase activity, locomotor behaviour assays, brain manganese content
Liver Health
The effects of different trace mineral supplementation strategies on performance, feeding behavior, health, carcass quality, and profitability of mine
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Purpose
The effects of different trace mineral supplementation strategies on performance, feeding behavior, health, carcass quality, and profitability of mine
Dose
See study
Participants
10 participants
Duration
Not specified
Results
Study results available at linked source.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41353984. Domest Anim Endocrinol
Kidney Health
Avasopasem manganese treatment for severe oral mucositis from chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer: phase 3 randomized controll
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Avasopasem manganese treatment for severe oral mucositis from chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer: phase 3 randomized controll
Dose
See study
Participants
455 participants
Duration
2 weeks
Results
significantly reduced by avasopasem, 27% (p = 0·052) and 24% (p = 0·143), respectively.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41127563. EClinicalMedicine
Cognitive Function
Beneficial Role of Resveratrol on Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Beneficial Role of Resveratrol on Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
60 days
Results
significantly increased total thiol (P = 0.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 40877487. Reprod Sci
Anti-Inflammatory
Efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and nutraceutical supplementation in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a randomized controlled tri
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and nutraceutical supplementation in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a randomized controlled tri
Dose
See study
Participants
15 participants
Duration
15 days
Results
demonstrated that the combination of focal ESWT, therapeutic exercise, and nutraceutical supplementation, represent a viable therapeutic option for the management of lateral epicondylitis; likewise,.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 40567345. Front Rehabil Sci
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Manganese research
There are currently 11 peer-reviewed studies on Manganese (Manganese (Mn²⁺)), involving 480 total participants. Research covers Antioxidant support, Bone health, Glucose metabolism and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Manganese has been researched for: Antioxidant support, Bone health, Glucose metabolism, Neurological function. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 11 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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