Supplement Scholar
Mineral

Manganese (Extra)

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Manganese (Extra). Mn cofactor for SOD2 mitochondrial antioxidant defense.

How it works. Required by MnSOD; cofactor for glycosyltransferases in bone matrix.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Combined with Ca/Zn/Cu reduces bone loss (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 2–5 mg.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Chelated form (glycinate, bisglycinate, citrate, malate), Inorganic salt (oxide, sulfate, chloride), Liquid ionic solution, Topical or transdermal preparation.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Manganese (Extra). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Manganese (Extra). Mn cofactor for SOD2 mitochondrial antioxidant defense.

Element Mn · Z = 25Mn · 54.93804 g/mol

What it is

Mn cofactor for SOD2 mitochondrial antioxidant defense.

Food sources

Whole foods (leafy greens, legumes, nuts, seeds, seafood, animal proteins)Fortified foods such as cereals, breads, plant milks, and table saltMineral supplements as chelates, citrates, glycinates, or inorganic salts

Goals

Bone HealthGeneral Wellness

How it works

Required by MnSOD; cofactor for glycosyltransferases in bone matrix.

Pathways

  • Required by MnSOD
  • cofactor for glycosyltransferases in bone matrix

Effects

  • +Combined with Ca/Zn/Cu reduces bone loss supports

What the research supports

Combined with Ca/Zn/Cu reduces bone lossmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
2–5 mg
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith food
Best formMost evidence is based on the chelated form (glycinate, bisglycinate, citrate, malate) form.
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Side effects & interactions

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Manganese (Extra) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Chelated form (glycinate, bisglycinate, citrate, malate)
  • Inorganic salt (oxide, sulfate, chloride)
  • Liquid ionic solution
  • Topical or transdermal preparation

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Manganese (Extra) — Combined with Ca/Zn/Cu reduces bone loss ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Manganese (Extra) and "Combined with Ca/Zn/Cu reduces bone loss". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Manganese (Extra) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Manganese (Extra) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Manganese (Extra) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Manganese (Extra) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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