Manganese

Buy manganese: bisglycinate and mineral complexes

Manganese is an essential trace element that the body needs in small amounts. Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue, the maintenance of normal bones, normal energy-yielding metabolism, and the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Because the body cannot produce manganese itself, sufficient intake through food or a supplement is important. In our range, you will find manganese as a standalone supplement in the highly absorbable bisglycinate form and in mineral complexes.

What is manganese and what does it do?

Manganese is an essential trace element that the body needs in small amounts and that must be obtained through food or supplementation. According to the permitted health claims, manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue, the maintenance of normal bones, normal energy-yielding metabolism, and the protection of cells from oxidative stress. In the body, manganese plays a role among others in the functioning of certain enzymes. The label of each product states how much manganese is provided per serving, expressed in milligrams.

Is manganese a metal, and is it harmful?

Chemically speaking, manganese is a metal (a transition metal), but in food and supplements, it is manganese as an essential trace element that the body needs in small amounts. In recommended amounts, manganese from food and supplements is not harmful; it is actually an essential nutrient. However, as with many trace elements, a significantly increased and prolonged intake is not desirable. Therefore, it is wise to stick to the recommended dosage (in the range of a few milligrams per day) and not to use high doses without reason. Stay within the directions for use on the packaging and, in case of doubt or when taking medication, seek advice from a doctor or therapist.

Manganese or magnesium: what is the difference?

Manganese is often confused with magnesium, partly due to the similar names, but they are two different minerals with their own functions. Manganese is a trace element of which the body only needs a small amount (in the range of a few milligrams per day) and that contributes among others to the formation of connective tissue and the maintenance of bones. Magnesium is a mineral of which the body needs a much larger amount (hundreds of milligrams per day) and that is involved in numerous processes, including the functioning of muscles and the nervous system. So pay close attention when choosing whether you are looking for manganese or magnesium; we have a separate collection for magnesium.

Where is manganese found in (food)?

Manganese occurs naturally in various plant-based foods. Good sources are whole grains, nuts, legumes, seeds, green leafy vegetables, and tea. With a varied diet containing sufficient amounts of these products, most people get enough manganese. For those who want to specifically supplement their intake, or who use a mineral complex, a manganese supplement can be an addition. The label states how much manganese a product provides per serving.

What forms of manganese are available?

Manganese is available in supplements in various forms. An organically bound form such as manganese bisglycinate (manganese bound to the amino acid glycine) is known for being highly absorbable and is widely used. In addition, you will find manganese in broader mineral and vitamin complexes and in combination products, for example with collagen. The dosages are generally low, in the range of a few milligrams, because the body only needs a small amount of manganese. When comparing, it is useful to pay attention to the amount of elemental manganese per serving and the form used.

How much manganese per day?

For manganese, an adequate intake in the range of approximately 2 to 3 milligrams per day applies to adults. Many supplements provide an amount around or slightly above this level. Because manganese is a trace element of which the body only needs a small amount, it is wise to stick to the recommended dosage and not to use high doses without reason. Follow the directions for use on the packaging and, in case of doubt or when taking medication, seek advice from a doctor or therapist.

Buying manganese: what to look for?

When choosing a manganese supplement, a few points are important. Look at the amount of elemental manganese per serving in milligrams and at the form used, such as highly absorbable manganese bisglycinate. Determine whether you are looking for a standalone manganese supplement or a mineral complex in which manganese is combined with other nutrients. Pay attention to purity and keep the modest daily requirement in mind. Manganese is an essential trace element; for related products, also view our Minerals and Magnesium collections.