Manganese
Description
Manganese is a crucial trace mineral that serves as a cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in critical bodily functions. It plays a significant role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol, helping to convert food into energy. This mineral is also essential for maintaining normal brain and nerve function. Beyond its metabolic roles, Manganese is integral to bone health, contributing to bone formation and density. It's also a key component of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant enzyme that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This contributes to the body's overall defense against oxidative stress. Adequate manganese intake is necessary for proper growth, reproduction, and immune system function. While essential, balance is key, as both deficiency and excessive intake can lead to health issues, particularly neurological problems at very high levels.
Sources
Nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans, walnuts)Legumes (e.g., soybeans, lentils)Whole grains (e.g., oats, brown rice, quinoa)Leafy green vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale)Tea (especially black and green tea)Spices (e.g., cloves, turmeric)Some fruits (e.g., pineapple, berries)
Cheapest Manganese supplements
Best Manganese supplements
Value Manganese supplements
Timing & Intake
AnytimeWith foodTake with Food to enhance absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort.
Taking manganese with food can improve its absorption and reduce the likelihood of stomach upset. There is no specific time of day that is universally preferred for manganese supplementation.
Daily Intake
RDA (Men)2 mg
RDA (Women)2 mg
RDI2 mg
Optimal Dosage
Minimum2 mg
Maximum5 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Upper Limit (UL)11 mg
Toxicity Threshold20 mg
Toxicity EffectNeurological symptoms, tremors
Goals
Bone Health
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:2–5 mg
Manganese is required for the synthesis of the organic matrix of bone before mineralization occurs. It is vital for bone formation and density, and works synergistically with other minerals like calcium and zinc.
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Joint Health
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:2–10 mg
Manganese is required for the enzyme glycosyltransferase, which is essential for synthesizing the glycosaminoglycans that form the foundation of cartilage tissue. It is a fundamental, albeit supportive, nutrient for cartilage health.
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Interactions
Positive Interactions
Calcium
Manganese, Calcium, Copper, and Zinc often work synergistically to support bone health and connective tissue formation.
Zinc
Manganese, Zinc, Calcium, and Copper are trace minerals that are often combined in supplements for their synergistic roles in bone and connective tissue health.
Copper
Manganese works with Copper, Calcium, and Zinc to support healthy bone and connective tissue formation.
Vitamin D
Manganese plays a supporting role in bone mineralization, which is critically dependent on Vitamin D and Calcium.
Vitamin K
Manganese contributes to bone health alongside Vitamin K, which is essential for bone protein synthesis and calcium binding.
Negative Interactions
Iron
High intakes of iron can interfere with manganese absorption, and conversely, high manganese can reduce iron absorption, due to competition for absorption pathways.
Calcium
Very high doses of Calcium, especially from supplements, can compete with manganese for absorption, potentially reducing manganese uptake.
Phosphorus
High intake of phosphorus, particularly in phytate form (found in plant foods), can inhibit the absorption of manganese.
Recommended products
Best 
Advanced Therapeutics Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Ultra Rx-Joint Triple Strength
NaturesPlus
Manganese: 40 mg
This is a comprehensive 'Triple Strength' joint supplement featuring very high doses of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM, complemented by Celadrin, Black Cherry, Vitamin C, and Manganese for broad-spectrum support.
Best 
Bone Defense
KAL
Manganese: 10 mg
This supplement delivers a comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals, specifically targeted to support bone health with key nutrients and unique additions like Ipriflavone.
Budget 
One Daily Women's
21st Century
Manganese: 1.8 mg
This women's multivitamin offers a comprehensive, budget-friendly blend of essential vitamins and minerals, including a high dose of Biotin, to support daily health and specific needs like hair and nail wellness.
Best 
Manganese 50 mg
NaturesPlus
Manganese: 50 mg
A very high-dose manganese supplement (50mg) in a soy amino acid chelate form, suitable for those with elevated needs.
Best 
Osteoprime Forte
Integrative Therapeutics
Manganese: 7 mg
Osteoprime Forte offers extensive bone health support with a wide range of vitamins and minerals, but its very high calcium dose per serving is a key aspect to be aware of.
Budget 
Complete Multivitamin
Equate
Manganese: 2.3 mg
This multivitamin delivers a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals at a highly affordable price, making it a sensible choice for basic daily nutritional support for many adults.
Budget 
Mature Multi
Kirkland Signature
Manganese: 2.3 mg
This multivitamin for mature adults provides a comprehensive nutrient blend with higher B12 and Folic Acid, offering good value for general daily support despite some unspecified ingredient forms.
Best 
Chelated Manganese 20 mg
Carlson
Manganese: 20 mg
A 20mg chelated manganese supplement, offering a good balance of dosage and absorbability for bone and joint support.
Value 
Chelated Manganese
Solgar
Manganese: 8 mg
A single-ingredient manganese supplement in a chelated form, offering good value and widespread appeal for bone and joint support.
Best 
Albion Chelated Manganese 40 mg
Swanson Ultra
Manganese: 40 mg
A high-dose manganese supplement featuring a premium, highly absorbable chelated form for robust bone and joint support.
Best 
Osteo-Mins AM
Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories
Manganese: 5 mg
This supplement offers a focused blend of trace minerals like Strontium, Silicon, and Boron, along with other key elements, in forms chosen for good absorption, often used for bone and connective tissue support.
Value 
Chelated Manganese 20 mg
Carlson
Manganese: 20 mg
A high-quality, chelated manganese supplement delivering 20mg per tablet, with a large serving count for long-term use.
Value 
One Daily Men's 50+
21st Century
Manganese: 4.2 mg
This is an affordable, broad-spectrum multivitamin for men over 50, providing essential nutrients in standard forms for daily wellness support.
Value 
Cal-Mag Caps
NOW
Manganese: 2.5 mg
A well-rounded mineral supplement featuring high doses of calcium and magnesium in diverse forms, enhanced with Vitamin D3 and essential trace minerals for broad bodily support.
Value 
Glucosamine Chondroitin Complex
Puritan's Pride
Manganese: 2 mg
An economical glucosamine and chondroitin blend for joint support, with added vitamin C and a small dose of non-chelated manganese.
Budget 
One Daily Women's
Equate
Manganese: 1.8 mg
This women's multivitamin offers a budget-conscious blend of essential vitamins and minerals, including a significant amount of Biotin, to support women's daily health needs.
Value 
Manganese 10 mg
Source Naturals
Manganese: 10 mg
A single-ingredient manganese supplement (10mg) in a chelated form, offering good value and widespread popularity for bone and joint health.
Best 
Healthy Ligaments & Tendons
Terry Naturally
Manganese: 36 mg
This supplement combines essential vitamins, chelated minerals, and targeted botanicals to support the strength, flexibility, and comfort of ligaments and tendons for active individuals.
Value 
Chelated Manganese
Bluebonnet
Manganese: 10 mg
A well-absorbed chelated manganese supplement (10mg) for daily bone and joint health support.
Best 
Calcium Bone Maker Complex with MCH-Cal and VitaMK7
Doctor's Best
Manganese: 1 mg
This is a comprehensive bone health supplement featuring MCH-Cal, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, and a range of supportive minerals to contribute to strong bones.
Budget 
Sentry Adults
21st Century
Manganese: 2.3 mg
A very affordable and broad-spectrum daily multivitamin and multimineral for adults, offering foundational nutritional support for overall well-being.
Budget 
Complete Multivitamin Adults 50+
Equate
Manganese: 2.3 mg
This multivitamin is designed for adults over 50, offering higher Vitamin D3 and eye-supporting nutrients at a very cost-effective price, providing good daily nutritional support.
Value 
Glucosamine with Chondroitin & MSM
Nutricost
Manganese: 1.5 mg
A high-dose glucosamine and MSM blend for joint support, with a small amount of chondroitin and manganese citrate.
Budget 
600 + D3 plus Minerals
21st Century
Manganese: 1.8 mg
An economical calcium and D3 supplement with a broad range of supporting minerals, offering good value for general bone and mineral health.
Best 
Bone Strength
NATURELO Premium Supplements
Manganese: 1 mg
NATURELO Bone Strength is a comprehensive supplement that provides key vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, D3, and K2, specifically formulated to support bone health.
Budget 
Sentry Senior
21st Century
Manganese: 2.3 mg
A comprehensive and affordable daily multivitamin for seniors, providing essential vitamins, minerals, plus Lutein and Lycopene for broad health and vision support.
Budget 
Complete Multivitamin Adults 50+
Equate
Manganese: 2.3 mg
This multivitamin for adults 50+ offers a foundational blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and key carotenoids like Lutein and Lycopene, supporting general health, bone density, and vision at a very accessible price.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$31.89
Median$26.89
Price per serving
Average$0.80
Median$0.66
Price per 1 mg
Average$0.91
Median$0.34
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 1 mg
Reference amount: 1 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
Manganese Citrate (182) 68
Manganese citrate is a compound where manganese is bound to citric acid. This organic form is generally considered to have moderate bioavailability, meaning it is absorbed more efficiently by the body than simpler inorganic salts like manganese sulfate. It is commonly used in dietary supplements to provide essential manganese.
Pros
- Better absorbed than inorganic manganese salts
- Generally well-tolerated
Cons
- Bioavailability may be lower than amino acid chelates
- Higher doses of citrate salts can sometimes have a mild laxative effect
Per product
Avg$38.20
Med$32.94
Per serving
Avg$0.90
Med$0.72
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.78
Med$0.40
Price distribution
Manganese Gluconate (118) 68
Manganese gluconate is an organic form where manganese is chelated with gluconic acid. It is a popular choice for dietary supplements due to its improved bioavailability over inorganic salts and its reputation for being well-tolerated by the digestive system.
Pros
- Generally well-tolerated
- Better absorbed than inorganic manganese forms
- Commonly available in supplements
Cons
- Bioavailability may not be as high as amino acid chelate forms
Per product
Avg$23.29
Med$19.99
Per serving
Avg$0.72
Med$0.65
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.61
Med$0.35
Price distribution
Manganese Sulfate (111) 55
Manganese sulfate is a basic inorganic compound frequently used as a source of manganese. While it provides manganese, its absorption by the body (bioavailability) is generally lower than organic and chelated forms, often leading to less efficient utilization.
Pros
- Cost-effective and widely available
- Provides elemental manganese
Cons
- Lower bioavailability compared to organic and chelated forms
- Potential for gastric upset in some individuals
Per product
Avg$22.88
Med$19.28
Per serving
Avg$0.52
Med$0.25
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.31
Med$0.16
Price distribution
Manganese Amino Acid Chelate (61) 85
Manganese amino acid chelate refers to manganese ions that are chemically bonded to amino acids. This chelated form utilizes the body's amino acid transport pathways, leading to significantly enhanced absorption and bioavailability compared to inorganic and simpler organic forms, reducing the likelihood of gastrointestinal upset.
Pros
- Significantly enhanced bioavailability and absorption
- Reduced risk of gastric upset
- Well-tolerated due to amino acid carrier
Cons
- Typically higher cost than inorganic or simpler organic salts
- Specific amino acid chelates (e.g., bisglycinate) may offer even further optimized absorption
Per product
Avg$26.56
Med$22.99
Per serving
Avg$0.61
Med$0.53
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.52
Med$0.21
Price distribution
Manganese Bisglycinate Chelate (46) 92
Manganese Bisglycinate Chelate is precisely the same highly effective form as Manganese Bisglycinate. The term 'chelate' is often added for emphasis, highlighting that the manganese is bonded to two glycine amino acids. This molecular structure ensures superior bioavailability and tolerability, as the chelate passes through the digestive system intact and is absorbed efficiently via amino acid transporters.
Pros
- Excellent bioavailability and absorption
- Highly stable and resistant to interference in the digestive tract
- Very well-tolerated, less likely to cause digestive issues
- Utilizes amino acid transport pathways for efficient uptake
Cons
- Higher cost compared to less bioavailable forms
Per product
Avg$34.15
Med$31.56
Per serving
Avg$0.92
Med$0.67
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.44
Med$0.18
Price distribution
Manganese Bisglycinate (39) 92
Manganese bisglycinate is a specific type of amino acid chelate where manganese is bound to two glycine molecules. This structure creates a small, stable, and electrically neutral compound that is highly resistant to interference from dietary components and stomach acid. It is absorbed via amino acid transporters, leading to superior bioavailability and excellent gastrointestinal tolerability, making it a preferred choice for manganese supplementation.
Pros
- Excellent bioavailability and absorption
- Highly stable and resistant to interference in the digestive tract
- Very well-tolerated, less likely to cause digestive issues
- Utilizes amino acid transport pathways for efficient uptake
Cons
- Higher cost compared to less bioavailable forms
Per product
Avg$28.38
Med$24.99
Per serving
Avg$0.56
Med$0.51
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.39
Med$0.27
Price distribution
fermented Manganese Bisglycinate (31) 95
Fermented Manganese Bisglycinate is a superior form of manganese where the bisglycinate chelate is produced or processed using fermentation techniques. This method often ensures a highly pure and clean product. It retains all the benefits of standard manganese bisglycinate, including exceptional bioavailability and gastrointestinal tolerability due to its stable, neutral chelate structure, and may offer perceived purity advantages.
Pros
- Exceptional bioavailability and absorption
- Often associated with enhanced purity and clean production methods
- Very well-tolerated with minimal digestive upset
- Optimized for efficient uptake via amino acid pathways
Cons
- Typically the highest cost among manganese forms
- Specific absorption benefits over non-fermented bisglycinate are often implied rather than extensively studied head-to-head
Per product
Avg$38.33
Med$36.14
Per serving
Avg$0.69
Med$0.67
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.54
Med$0.47
Price distribution
Manganese Glycinate Chelate (23) 90
Manganese Glycinate Chelate refers to manganese bound to glycine amino acids. While 'bisglycinate' specifically denotes two glycine molecules, 'glycinate chelate' generally implies a similar high-bioavailability amino acid chelate. This form is designed to bypass common absorption inhibitors in the gut, utilizing amino acid pathways for efficient uptake and resulting in superior bioavailability and excellent digestive tolerability compared to non-chelated forms.
Pros
- High bioavailability and absorption efficiency
- Good tolerability with reduced risk of gastric distress
- Utilizes amino acid transport mechanisms
Cons
- Higher cost than inorganic or simpler organic forms
- May be slightly less specific than 'bisglycinate' in chemical structure, though often similar in effect
Per product
Avg$26.31
Med$26.99
Per serving
Avg$0.70
Med$0.68
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.27
Med$0.31
Price distribution
Manganese Glycinate (22) 90
Manganese Glycinate Chelate refers to manganese bound to glycine amino acids. While 'bisglycinate' specifically denotes two glycine molecules, 'glycinate chelate' generally implies a similar high-bioavailability amino acid chelate. This form is designed to bypass common absorption inhibitors in the gut, utilizing amino acid pathways for efficient uptake and resulting in superior bioavailability and excellent digestive tolerability compared to non-chelated forms.
Pros
- High bioavailability and absorption efficiency
- Good tolerability with reduced risk of gastric distress
- Utilizes amino acid transport mechanisms
Cons
- Higher cost than inorganic or simpler organic forms
- May be slightly less specific than 'bisglycinate' in chemical structure, though often similar in effect
Per product
Avg$40.49
Med$34.71
Per serving
Avg$0.47
Med$0.49
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.19
Med$0.14
Price distribution
TRAACS Manganese Bisglycinate Chelate (20) 92
Manganese bisglycinate is a specific type of amino acid chelate where manganese is bound to two glycine molecules. This structure creates a small, stable, and electrically neutral compound that is highly resistant to interference from dietary components and stomach acid. It is absorbed via amino acid transporters, leading to superior bioavailability and excellent gastrointestinal tolerability, making it a preferred choice for manganese supplementation.
Pros
- Excellent bioavailability and absorption
- Highly stable and resistant to interference in the digestive tract
- Very well-tolerated, less likely to cause digestive issues
- Utilizes amino acid transport pathways for efficient uptake
Cons
- Higher cost compared to less bioavailable forms
Per product
Avg$43.48
Med$36.00
Per serving
Avg$1.59
Med$1.01
Per 1 mg
Avg$0.73
Med$0.44
Price distribution