What safety findings are reported for Manganese?

Manganese has a med risk profile in the database. Med (chronic high inhalation/occupational exposure causes Parkinsonian manganism — welders, miners; oral toxicity in liver impairment; well-water exposure a population issue) Legal status: OTC.

What doses or routes are reported for Manganese?

1.8-2.3 mg/day adequate intake; routinely present in multivitamins at 1-2 mg; food sources (whole grains, nuts, tea) usually adequate This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.

Rankings / Essentials — Vitamins & Minerals

Manganese

Essentials · Mineral

Tier B-

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed Jun 8, 2026 · How we grade

mineralotc

5.9 / 10

Tier B-

Ev 8 Bn 2 Sf 5

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades Manganese as B- (5.9/10) based on strong evidence, low benefit magnitude, and a med-risk safety profile.

More relevant as a toxicology entry than a supplement — chronic high oral intake or contaminated water has neurological toxicity, especially in cirrhosis where biliary excretion fails.

Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 1. — OTC; not individualized guidance.

What the evidence says

More relevant as a toxicology entry than a supplement — chronic high oral intake or contaminated water has neurological toxicity, especially in cirrhosis where biliary excretion fails. Most well-designed multivitamins include 1-2 mg; standalone supplementation rarely needed.

Mechanism

Cofactor for manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2 — mitochondrial antioxidant), arginase, glutamine synthetase, glycosyltransferases; required for bone matrix, cartilage, and neurotransmitter handling

Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route

1.8-2.3 mg/day adequate intake; routinely present in multivitamins at 1-2 mg; food sources (whole grains, nuts, tea) usually adequate

This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.

Citations

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Common questions

What does the evidence show about Manganese's effects?: Read Off Label rates the evidence for Manganese as Strong and the benefit magnitude as low, producing an overall grade of B- (5.9/10). More relevant as a toxicology entry than a supplement — chronic high oral intake or contaminated water has neurological toxicity, especially in cirrhosis where biliary excretion fails.
What safety findings are reported for Manganese?: Manganese has a med risk profile in the database. Med (chronic high inhalation/occupational exposure causes Parkinsonian manganism — welders, miners; oral toxicity in liver impairment; well-water exposure a population issue) Legal status: OTC.
What doses or routes are reported for Manganese?: 1.8-2.3 mg/day adequate intake; routinely present in multivitamins at 1-2 mg; food sources (whole grains, nuts, tea) usually adequate This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
How does Manganese work?: Cofactor for manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2 — mitochondrial antioxidant), arginase, glutamine synthetase, glycosyltransferases; required for bone matrix, cartilage, and neurotransmitter handling

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.