Manganese

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace mineral that functions primarily as a co‑factor for several enzymes involved in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. In humans it is most notable for supporting antioxidant defenses, bone formation, and the synthesis of neurotransmitters.

• Transition metal: Manganese is a transition metal (atomic number 25) with an electron configuration of [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s².
• Supplement forms: In supplements it appears as the divalent cation Mn²⁺, commonly complexed as manganese sulfate (MnSO₄·H₂O), manganese gluconate (C₁₂H₂₂MnO₁₄), or manganese chelate (e.g., Mn‑bisglycinate).
• Physical properties: The element’s metallic form is grey‑white, with a melting point of 1244 °C and a density of 7.21 g cm⁻³.
• Enzyme binding: Mn²⁺ exhibits high affinity for oxygen‑ and nitrogen‑donor ligands, forming octahedral complexes that facilitate enzyme binding.
• Oxidation states: The oxidation state can range from +2 to +7 (e.g., MnO₄⁻), though only +2 is biologically relevant.

• Dietary sources: Dietary sources include whole grains (brown rice, oats), legumes (soybeans, lentils), nuts (hazelnuts, almonds), leafy greens (spinach, kale), and seafood (mussels, oysters).
• Extraction: Commercially, Mn is extracted from the ore pyrolusite (MnO₂) or rhodochrosite (MnCO₃) via acid leaching and precipitation as sulfate or chloride salts.
• Chelated forms: Synthetic chelated forms (e.g., manganese‑glycinate) are produced by reacting Mn²⁺ salts with amino‑acid ligands under controlled pH, improving bioavailability.
• Supplement quality: High‑quality supplements adhere to USP/NF or USP monographs, undergo heavy-metal testing, and are manufactured under GMP.
• Pharmaceutical grade: For clinical use, pharmaceutical‑grade manganese sulfate‑monohydrate (≥99% purity) is preferred to ensure consistent elemental manganese content.