Home Ingredients Manganese Gluconate
Bone HealthAntioxidantMetabolic Health

Manganese Gluconate

Evidence Level
Limited
2 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Manganese gluconate is a water-soluble salt of manganese and gluconic acid supplying roughly 11% elemental manganese. It is the most common low-cost manganese form found in multivitamins and trace-mineral blends, valued for being mild on the stomach and easy to formulate. Manganese is an essential trace mineral that acts as a cofactor for antioxidant, bone-matrix, and metabolic enzymes. Gluconate is a commodity form with no form-specific human bioavailability trials; the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements states no data compare the bioavailability of different supplemental manganese forms.

Studied Dose Adult AI 1.8–2.3 mg/day elemental manganese; UL 11 mg/day. Multivitamins typically supply 1–5 mg elemental Mn, often as gluconate.
Active Compound Manganese(II) gluconate, Mn(C6H11O7)2 — water-soluble organic salt providing approximately 11% elemental manganese by weight

Benefits

Supports antioxidant enzyme defense

Manganese is the required cofactor for manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD/SOD2), the primary antioxidant enzyme inside mitochondria. Adequate manganese status helps maintain the body's defense against superoxide radicals generated during normal energy metabolism.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Helps maintain healthy bones

Manganese supports the glycosyltransferase enzymes that build the glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan framework of bone and connective tissue. Adequate manganese intake helps maintain normal bone formation and skeletal integrity as part of a balanced micronutrient intake.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Supports normal metabolism

As a cofactor for pyruvate carboxylase and other metabolic enzymes, manganese contributes to normal carbohydrate, amino acid, and energy metabolism. Maintaining adequate manganese status supports the enzymatic machinery the body uses to process macronutrients.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Gentle, well-tolerated trace-mineral source

Manganese gluconate is water-soluble and generally mild on the digestive tract, making it a practical way to round out the trace-mineral profile of a multivitamin. It helps ensure intake meets the adequate intake level in people whose diets may fall short.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

MnSOD cofactor activity

Manganese sits in the active site of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, where it cycles between oxidation states to convert superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. This catalytic role protects mitochondrial proteins, lipids, and DNA from oxidative damage.

2

Glycosyltransferase activation

Manganese-dependent glycosyltransferases assemble glycosaminoglycan chains onto core proteins to form the proteoglycans that give cartilage and bone matrix their structure. Manganese availability influences the synthesis of these connective-tissue components.

3

Dissolution and intestinal uptake

The gluconate salt dissolves readily in the gut, releasing Mn2+ ions for absorption across the intestinal mucosa via divalent metal transporters. Overall manganese absorption is low (roughly 3–5%) and is homeostatically regulated by body manganese status.

Clinical trials

1
Trace minerals plus calcium and bone loss in postmenopausal women
PubMed

Two-year randomized controlled trial of calcium (1000 mg/day) with or without trace minerals (zinc 15 mg, manganese 5 mg, copper 2.5 mg) in older postmenopausal women.

59 postmenopausal women.

Spinal bone mineral density declined in the placebo group but was maintained or slightly increased in women receiving calcium plus trace minerals. CRITICAL CAVEAT: the manganese contribution cannot be isolated from calcium, zinc, and copper, and the trial used a generic trace-mineral mix rather than gluconate specifically. No form-specific trials of manganese gluconate exist.

2
Manganese form bioavailability — authoritative position
PubMed

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Manganese Health Professional Fact Sheet summarizing the evidence on supplemental manganese absorption and forms.

Evidence review (humans).

The fact sheet states plainly that no data are available on the relative bioavailability of different forms of supplemental manganese, and that overall manganese absorption is low and homeostatically regulated. This means claims that gluconate is better or worse absorbed than other salts are not supported by human evidence.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Very well tolerated at dietary and supplemental doses within the 11 mg/day upper limit.
Excess manganese intake over time is neurotoxic, causing a Parkinson-like syndrome called manganism.
Absorption rises in iron deficiency, which can increase manganese accumulation at a given intake.
People with chronic liver disease clear manganese poorly and are more vulnerable to its neurotoxicity.
High supplemental doses may cause mild nausea or stomach upset in sensitive individuals.

Important Drug interactions

Oral iron supplements compete with manganese for absorption and can lower manganese uptake.
Calcium and magnesium-containing antacids may reduce manganese absorption; separate dosing.
Combining multiple manganese-containing supplements can push intake over the 11 mg/day UL.
Chronic high-dose laxatives or binders may alter trace-mineral absorption including manganese.

More Bone Health Ingredients

Bone Health
Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body — about 99% stored in bones and teeth, wi…
Bone Health
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and steroid hormone precursor essential for calcium abs…
Muscle & Recovery
Magnesium
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and a cofactor for over 300 enzy…
Bone Health
Copper
Copper is an essential trace mineral and cofactor for over 30 enzymatic reactions, includi…

Explore Other Ingredients

Cognitive
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb from arctic and mountainous regions of Europe and As…
Cognitive
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a redox-active coenzyme and potent antioxidant naturally…
Athletic Performance
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a medicinal fungus traditionally used in Tibetan and Chinese medicine for ene…

Frequently asked questions about Manganese Gluconate

What is the recommended dosage of Manganese Gluconate?

The clinically studied dose for Manganese Gluconate is Adult AI 1.8–2.3 mg/day elemental manganese; UL 11 mg/day. Multivitamins typically supply 1–5 mg elemental Mn, often as gluconate.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Manganese Gluconate used for?

Manganese Gluconate is studied for supports antioxidant enzyme defense, helps maintain healthy bones, supports normal metabolism. Manganese is the required cofactor for manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD/SOD2), the primary antioxidant enzyme inside mitochondria.

Are there side effects from taking Manganese Gluconate?

Reported potential side effects may include: Very well tolerated at dietary and supplemental doses within the 11 mg/day upper limit. Excess manganese intake over time is neurotoxic, causing a Parkinson-like syndrome called manganism. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Does Manganese Gluconate interact with medications?

Known drug interactions may include: Oral iron supplements compete with manganese for absorption and can lower manganese uptake. Calcium and magnesium-containing antacids may reduce manganese absorption; separate dosing. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.

Is Manganese Gluconate good for bone health?

Yes, Manganese Gluconate is researched for Bone Health support. Manganese supports the glycosyltransferase enzymes that build the glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan framework of bone and connective tissue. Adequate manganese intake helps maintain normal bone formation and skeletal integrity as part of a balanced micronutrient intake.

References(2 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Strause L, Saltman P, Smith KT, Bracker M, Andon MB. Spinal bone loss in postmenopausal women supplemented with calcium and trace minerals. J Nutr. 1994;124(7):1060-4. doi: 10.1093/jn/124.7.1060.PubMedUsed to support: Calcium plus a zinc/manganese/copper trace-mineral mix reduced spinal bone loss vs placebo; the manganese-specific contribution cannot be isolated and no gluconate-specific trial exists.
  2. Finley JW, Davis CD. Manganese deficiency and toxicity: are high or low dietary amounts of manganese cause for concern? Biofactors. 1999;10(1):15-24. doi: 10.1002/biof.5520100102.PubMedUsed to support: Review documenting that manganese absorption is low (~3-5%), is increased by iron deficiency, and that the main clinical concern is toxicity rather than deficiency — context for any manganese salt including gluconate.