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Mn7.5
Manganese Research
Likely helpsModerate safety
24 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Manganese appears to help in 3 of 4 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2007–2025 with a typical study size of 73 participants.
Based on 24 studies · 10 meta-analyses · 1 RCT · 166,458 total participants
Confidence
High
What the studies found
3helped1unclear· 20 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Therapeutic & clinical
Mostly mechanism / observational12 studies
Glucose & metabolic
Mostly mechanism / observational5 studies
Neuroprotection & brain aging
Mostly mechanism / observational4 studies
Safety & neurotoxicity
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Cognitive function
Too few graded studies2 studies
Inflammation
Too few graded studies2 studies
Women's healthMay help manage menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes · 4-8 weeks · Provides essential nutrients for healthy pregnancy · Ongoing
Too few graded studies2 studies
Bone healthSupports bone mineral density and skeletal strength · 8-12 weeks
Too few graded studies1 study
By the numbers
Pulled from 9 studies with measurable effects
Likely real effects
100%
across studies
People studied
166k
typical study: 73 people
Strongest designs
11
10 pooled, 1 randomised
Showed benefit
75%
3/4 studies
Populations Studied
Pregnant women2
Alzheimer disease patients1
Osteoarthritis patients1
Working adults exposed to manganese1
Active research area
20 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2025
200720162025
1Blood manganese concentration in preeclampsia vs controlMeta-AnalysisCited 3×n=1,113 · large study2024
Wu A et al. · Biological trace element research (2024)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
Pooled results showed that compared to normotensive control, women with PE had significantly lower blood Mn concentration (standardized mean difference: -0.36, 95% confidence interval: -0.50 to -0.22, p < 0.001; I2 = 67%).
Finally, pooled results of three studies showed that a high level of blood Mn was related to a low risk of PE with blood Mn analyzed in continuous (risk ratio [RR]: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.85, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%) and categorized variables (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.82, p = 0.006; I2 = 32%).
In conclusion, a low blood level of Mn may be associated with PE in pregnant women.
2Trace elements in Alzheimer dementiaMeta-AnalysisCited 39×n=73 · small study2023
In a further meta-analysis, standardized mean differences (SMDs) of 13 elements were calculated to evaluate their altered in AD patients, including copper, iron, zinc, selenium, manganese, lead, al...
Li K et al. · Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987) (2023)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
In a further meta-analysis, standardized mean differences (SMDs) of 13 elements were calculated to evaluate their altered in AD patients, including copper, iron, zinc, selenium, manganese, lead, aluminum, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, mercury, cobalt, and manganese.
We identified four trace elements-copper (serum), iron (plasma), zinc (hair), and selenium (plasma)-altered in AD patients, with SMDs of 0.37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10, 0.65), -0.68 (95% CI: -1.34, -0.02), -0.35 (95% CI: -0.62, -0.08), and -0.61 (95% CI: -0.97, -0.25), respectively.
Finally, we formed a database of various trace element levels in AD patients and healthy controls.
3Serum trace elements and osteoarthritis occurrenceMeta-AnalysisCited 6×2024
The study suggests that there is an association between the occurrence of OA and variations in serum levels of copper, manganese, cadmium, and selenium.
Shi H et al. · Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS) (2024)
The study suggests that there is an association between the occurrence of OA and variations in serum levels of copper, manganese, cadmium, and selenium.
Elevated serum copper may play a pivotal role.
Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic potential of TE level modulation in OA management.
While more evidence from prospective cohorts is needed, future studies should use novel statistical approaches to evaluate relative contribution of Mn on MetS risk along with other inter-related exposures.
Wong MMH et al. · Nutrients (2022)
Therefore, the present review examined the association between dietary and environmental Mn exposure, and MetS risk.
A total of nine cross-sectional studies and three case-control studies were included, which assessed Mn from diet, serum, urine, and whole blood.
While more evidence from prospective cohorts is needed, future studies should use novel statistical approaches to evaluate relative contribution of Mn on MetS risk along with other inter-related exposures.
6Cognitive performance decline from manganese exposureMeta-AnalysisCited 14×n=18 · very small study2023
Differences between the exposure and control groups in cognitive testing were synthesized by effect size Hedge's g.
Vlasak T et al. · Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987) (2023)
Differences between the exposure and control groups in cognitive testing were synthesized by effect size Hedge's g.
We included 18 studies with 75 effect sizes comparing n = 888 controls and 1092 exposed participants.
We provide results of impaired cognitive functions for working adults exposed to manganese in processing speed, attention, working memory, reaction time and visual attention.
7Serum iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese levels in alcoholismSystematic ReviewCited 70×2019
Frequent comorbidities and mutual relationships between the elements in question are just some of the complications in the study of this topic.
Grochowski C et al. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2019)
Again, the causes for this are numerous and include malnutrition, drug abuse, respiratory alkalosis, and gastrointestinal problems, apart from the direct influence of excessive alcohol intake.
Unfortunately, studies regarding the levels of both copper and manganese in the case of (alcoholic) liver disease are scarce and often contradictory.
Still, the authors have attempted to summarize and give a thorough insight into the literature available, bearing in mind the difficulties involved in the studies.
9Type 2 diabetes riskMeta-Analysisn=165,194 · very large study2025
Our meta-analysis suggested that increasing Mn intake may lower T2D risk, potentially exhibiting a dose-response non-linear pattern, although not corroborated by UK Biobank analysis.
Gebretsadik GG et al. · The journal of nutrition, health & aging (2025)
No clear effect
← WorseNo effectBetter →
High Mn intake (Q5) was not significantly associated with lower risk of T2D as compared to Q1 (adjusted HR 0·91; 95% CI 0·82, 1.01, Ptrend = 0·07).
The dose-response meta-analysis revealed a 4% reduction in T2D risk with each mg/day increase in Mn intake (pooled RR 0·96; 95% CI 0·94, 0·99), with potential non-linearity (Pnonlinear< 0.01).
Q5 Mn intake was not significantly associated with reduced risk of CVD (adjusted HR 0·99; 95% CI 0·92, 1.05; Ptrend = 0·61) or CVD mortality (adjusted HR 0·85; 95% CI 0·64, 1.13; Ptrend = 0·66).
Here, we present an overview of the intake, absorption, and transport of four essential elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) and one non-essential element (aluminum: Al) in food and their connections with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases based on metal-protein, and metal-metal cross-talk.
Kawahara M et al. · Nutrients (2023)
The disease-related amyloidogenic proteins can regulate metal homeostasis at the synapses, and thus loss of the protective functions of these amyloidogenic proteins causes neurodegeneration.
Meanwhile, metal-induced conformational changes of the amyloidogenic proteins contribute to enhancing their neurotoxicity.
Moreover, excess Zn and Cu play central roles in the pathogenesis of vascular-type senile dementia.
The current evidence on the involvement of Mn in metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus/insulin resistance, osteoporosis, obesity, atherosclerosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, was collected and discussed.
Baj J et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2023)
People with genetic diseases associated with a mutation in the gene associated with impaired Mn excretion, kidney disease, iron deficiency, or a vegetarian diet are at particular risk of excessive exposure to Mn.
The disturbed homeostasis of Mn in the body has been connected with susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases, fertility, and infectious diseases.
The current evidence on the involvement of Mn in metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus/insulin resistance, osteoporosis, obesity, atherosclerosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, was collected and discussed.
This systematic-review examined the effects of Manganese.
Tarnacka B et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2021)
They also play vital roles in the central nervous system as significant cofactors for several enzymes, including the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and other enzymes that take part in the creation and breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain.
In the present review, the authors focus on neurological disorders with psychiatric signs associated with copper, iron, and manganese excess and the diagnosis and potential treatment of such disorders.
14Relationship between manganese levels and epilepsySystematic ReviewCited 23×2007
The lack of evidence indicating whether this is a cause or an effect of the convulsions clearly justifies more detailed follow-up investigations in humans.
Gonzalez-Reyes RE et al. · Brain research reviews (2007)
Of the remaining nine, six were in humans and three in rodents.
At present, there is no satisfactory explanation for the relationship between low manganese levels and the presence of convulsions.
The lack of evidence indicating whether this is a cause or an effect of the convulsions clearly justifies more detailed follow-up investigations in humans.
We propose that this combination strategy warrants further clinical translation.
Lv M et al. · Cell research (2020)
Mechanically, Mn2+ promoted DC and macrophage maturation and tumor-specific antigen presentation, augmented CD8+ T cell differentiation, activation and NK cell activation, and increased memory CD8+ T cells.
Combining Mn2+ with immune checkpoint inhibition synergistically boosted antitumor efficacies and reduced the anti-PD-1 antibody dosage required in mice.
Importantly, a completed phase 1 clinical trial with the combined regimen of Mn2+ and anti-PD-1 antibody showed promising efficacy, exhibiting type I IFN induction, manageable safety and revived responses to immunotherapy in most patients with advanced metastatic solid tumors.
This review will not only provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of metal ions in disease development but also offer perspectives on their modulation for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Chen L et al. · Signal transduction and targeted therapy (2025)
Finally, the therapeutic effects of metal ion chelators, such as clioquinol, quercetin, curcumin, coumarin, and their derivatives for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed.
Additionally, the promising results and limitations observed in clinical trials of these metal ion chelators will also be addressed.
This review will not only provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of metal ions in disease development but also offer perspectives on their modulation for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
This review aims to provide new research perspectives for the application of Mn in the prevention and treatment of human diseases, especially by enhancing anti-cancer immune responses to inhibit cancer progression.
Wang Y et al. · Nutrition research reviews (2025)
Enhanced Mn superoxide dismutase activity reduces mitochondrial oxidative stress and inhibits cancer development.
In addition, Mn enhances anti-cancer immune responses through the cGAS-STING pathway.
We introduced various delivery vectors for Mn delivery to cancer sites for Mn supplementation and anti-cancer immunity.
The aim is to provide insights into anti-aging and treatment of aging-related diseases caused by transition metal accumulation.
Xie AN et al. · Sheng li xue bao : [Acta physiologica Sinica] (2024)
The transition metals, including iron, copper, and manganese, play important roles in human physiological and pathological processes.
This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the causes of transition metal accumulation in senescent cells, as well as the mechanisms by which it further promotes cellular senescence and related diseases.
The aim is to provide insights into anti-aging and treatment of aging-related diseases caused by transition metal accumulation.
19Meta-Analysis2024
The present study suggested that the human body's zinc, copper, and calcium content may be related to lipid metabolism.
Li CP et al. · Current medicinal chemistry (2024)
The present study suggested that the human body's zinc, copper, and calcium content may be related to lipid metabolism.
However, findings on lipid metabolism and Iron, Manganese have not been conclusive.
In addition, the relationship between lipid metabolism disorders and selenium levels still needs to be further studied.
Trace elements such as selenium, copper, arsenic and manganese are playing an important role in the risk, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of PCA.
Yanjun Y et al. · Cancer medicine (2024)
Trace elements such as selenium, copper, arsenic and manganese are playing an important role in the risk, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of PCA.
Meanwhile, they have a certain inhibitory effect on PCA, the mechanism mainly includes: promoting ferroptosis, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and inhibiting excessive proliferation.