manganese

Manganese is an essential trace element and a chemical element with the symbol Mn and atomic number 25. In medicine and nutrition, it is used primarily as a dietary supplement to prevent or treat manganese deficiency. Manganese acts as a cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in amino acid, cholesterol, glucose, and carbohydrate metabolism; bone formation; antioxidant defense (notably as part of the enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase); reproduction; immune response; blood clotting (in conjunction with vitamin K); and other physiological processes. It is naturally present in many foods such as nuts, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, tea, rice, soybeans, eggs, nuts, olive oil, green beans and oysters[1][3][7]. Manganese supplements are sometimes used for conditions like osteoporosis or wound healing but there is limited clinical evidence supporting these uses[1]. Excessive intake can cause toxicity affecting the central nervous system with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease[1][3].

Other names

manganese(0)Mnelemental manganese