5 mins read

Overview: Manganese is a mineral that is commonly used to prevent or treat low levels of manganese in the body. It is also sometimes used for diabetes and bone health, but its benefits are not well defined. Manganese is available over the counter as a supplement and is usually well tolerated. But taking too much manganese can be harmful. Before taking manganese, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is manganese used for?

Manganese is commonly used to treat or prevent low levels of manganese from various causes. It is also sometimes used for diabetes and bone health, but its benefits are not well defined.

Manganese is available as a dietary supplement in various strengths and dosage forms. It is also found as an ingredient in some multivitamins.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed manganese dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does manganese work (mechanism of action)?

Manganese is an essential trace mineral. This means that your body needs this mineral to function, but only in very small amounts. Your body uses manganese to make proteins and sugars, build bone, and maintain a healthy immune system. It also plays an important role in blood clotting.

In the United States, most people get enough manganese from their diet. It is found in many different foods and spices, including grains, shellfish, soybeans, leafy vegetables, rice, coffee, tea, black pepper, and cloves. For most adults, the recommended daily intake of manganese is 1.8 to 2.3 milligrams (mg). However, some people either do not get enough from their diet or have trouble absorbing it. When this happens, you can take manganese to replace what you are not getting from your diet.

How should I store manganese?

You should store manganese according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of manganese?

Manganese seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of manganese that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of manganese?

While less common, the most serious side effects of manganese are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Manganese may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using manganese and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use manganese?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use manganese.

  • Manganese (Mn)
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific manganese products they stock.

What should I know about manganese before using it?

Manganese is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep manganese out of the reach of children.

Dietary supplements may contain many different forms of manganese. Some examples include manganese bisglycinate chelate, manganese glycinate chelate, and manganese aspartate. It is not clear if any of these forms of manganese work differently in the body.

You can get manganese from several places, including foods and other vitamins or supplements. Many multivitamin and combination supplement products have manganese in them. It is important not to take too much manganese. Too much manganese from supplements can be harmful. If you are not sure how much manganese you need or if you need a manganese supplement, talk to your health care provider.

The FDA has not tested manganese products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using manganese?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if manganese is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how manganese could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Manganese passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does manganese interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between manganese and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect manganese.

Does manganese interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between manganese and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between manganese and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with manganese is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking manganese with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much manganese?

If you or someone else has used too much manganese, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Manganese dietary supplements contain many different doses and forms of manganese. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take manganese safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.