Manganese

Manganese Supplements

Looking to improve your antioxidant status? Look no further than manganese. It is a part of the antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), the primary antioxidant enzyme in the mitochondria. Among other responsibilities, SOD is tasked with converting superoxide — an especially dangerous free radical — into smaller, harmless molecules that cannot damage your body’s cells,; therefore it protects against the development of chronic, degenerative diseases.

Manganese itself is an essential trace element that is required for the normal functioning of your brain and nervous system, and is also implicated in a variety of biochemical reactions inside your body. Trace elements, as the name implies, are only needed in small amounts, but many, play critical roles in overall health.

Beyond improving antioxidant protection, manganese is also involved in the metabolism of amino acids, cholesterol, glucose, and carbohydrates, as well as plays an important role in blood clotting and inflammation modulation.

That’s not all though; Manganese is also critical to the formation and maintenance of bones, cartilage and synovial fluid, and is essential for optimal joint health and the prevention of degenerative joint conditions (osteoarthritis). This is why this trace mineral is often found in joint support formulas. Lastly, it also helps balance calcium and phosphorus in the body, along with zinc and copper, to maintain bone health and stimulate the formation of bone support hormones and enzymes.

Benefits of Manganese

• Enhances Antioxidant Protection
• Essential for Bone Health (Formation and Maintenance)
• Supports Joints & Connective Tissue

Who Needs Manganese?

Practitioners will typically recommend a this supplement to help manage diabetes, to support bones and joints, in the treatment of brittle bone disease, osteoporosis, iron-deficiency anemia, as well as to bolster antioxidant status and protect against free radical damage. Manganese supplementation is also used to correct deficiencies and to balance zinc and copper.

Manganese: Potency, Forms & Formats

Potency

Manganese supplements come in a variety of potencies anywhere from 1 – 25 mg and higher, though there is no set standard dose for this supplement. Always follow label instructions carefully or speak to a health care practitioner to find out the appropriate dose for you.

Forms

This supplement can be found either in isolated form or in combination blends and available in a variety of forms, including Manganese:

• gluconate
• sulfate
• ascorbate
• aspartate
• Bisglycinate and Chelate forms provide better absorption, bioavailability, and tolerance than other forms.

Formats

This supplement comes in capsule and tablet form, as well as in drops. And it is also often present in small amounts in multivitamin & mineral formulas.

Choosing The Right Supplement For You

When taking manganese for joint health, joint pain, or degenerative joint conditions, it’s important to select a formula that also contains other joint support nutrients such as Vitamin B6, glucosamine, and chondroitin to multiply the benefits. 

Taking too much manganese may interfere with your ability to absorb iron from your diet. Take your manganese supplement at least 1 to 2 hours after taking antacids or laxatives.