Manganese for Tinnitus: Does It Help?

randomized-controlled-trial PMID: 27564443

Quick Summary: A study looked at whether taking manganese and Lipoflavonoid Plus(®) could help with tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The results showed that neither treatment was significantly better than the other, suggesting they may not be effective for most people.

What The Research Found

The study found no strong evidence that taking manganese along with Lipoflavonoid Plus(®) helps reduce tinnitus. Some people in the study felt a little better, but the improvements weren't significant enough to say the treatment worked. The control group (those taking only Lipoflavonoid Plus(®)) also showed some minor improvements.

Study Details

Who was studied: 40 adults who experienced tinnitus.

How long: The study lasted for 6 months.

What they took:

One group took manganese (10 mg daily) plus Lipoflavonoid Plus(®).
The other group (the control group) took only Lipoflavonoid Plus(®).

What This Means For You

This study suggests that taking manganese for tinnitus might not be helpful. If you're experiencing tinnitus, talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage it. There are other treatments and strategies that may be more effective.

Study Limitations

A lot of people dropped out of the study, which makes the results less reliable.

The study didn't have a true "placebo" group (a group taking a sugar pill).

The study didn't measure the participants' manganese levels at the start.

The study was relatively short, so we don't know if the effects would last.

Key Findings

The study found no statistically significant efficacy of manganese combined with Lipoflavonoid Plus(®) or Lipoflavonoid Plus(®) alone in treating tinnitus. Among 12 participants in the manganese group, 1 showed improvement in tinnitus handicap questionnaire scores and 1 in loudness/annoyance ratings. In the control group (n=16), no improvements were observed in questionnaires, but 2 participants reported reduced loudness and 1 reduced annoyance. The authors concluded neither intervention could be reliably recommended for tinnitus management.

Study Design

This was a 6-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a total sample of 40 adults experiencing tinnitus. Participants were randomized to receive either manganese (10 mg/day) + Lipoflavonoid Plus(®) (n=12) or Lipoflavonoid Plus(®) alone (control group, n=16). Outcome measures included the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ), Tinnitus Primary Functions Questionnaire (TPFQ), and audiologist-administered assessments (loudness match, minimal masking level).

Dosage & Administration

The manganese group received 10 mg of elemental manganese daily in divided doses, while both groups took Lipoflavonoid Plus(®) three tablets per day. Supplements were administered orally for 6 months.

Results & Efficacy

THQ/TPFQ Scores: 1/12 in the manganese group showed reduced scores; 0/16 in the control group.
Loudness/Annoyance Ratings: 1/12 in the manganese group and 2/16 in the control group reported loudness reduction; 1/12 vs. 1/16 for annoyance.
Statistical Significance: No significant between-group differences were reported (p-values not specified in the abstract). The small sample size and high dropout rate (30%) likely limited power to detect effects.

Limitations

High Dropout Rate: 12/40 participants exited due to side effects or follow-up loss, reducing reliability.
Small Sample Size: Only 28 completed the trial (12 in manganese group, 16 in control), limiting generalizability.
Lack of Placebo Control: The control group received Lipoflavonoid Plus(®), not a placebo, making it unclear if observed effects were due to manganese, the supplement, or natural variation.
No Baseline Manganese Levels: The study did not assess participants’ manganese status at baseline, so potential benefits in deficient individuals remain unknown.
Short Duration: 6 months may be insufficient to evaluate long-term efficacy or delayed effects.

Clinical Relevance

This RCT provides weak evidence for manganese or Lipoflavonoid Plus(®) as tinnitus treatments. While 2/12 manganese recipients reported subjective improvements, the lack of statistical significance and high dropout rate suggest these results may be coincidental. Clinicians should caution against manganese supplementation for tinnitus outside of deficiency cases, as no robust benefits were observed. Larger, placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Note: The study did not report adverse effects of manganese, but long-term supplementation at 10 mg/day may risk toxicity, particularly in individuals with impaired excretion. Users should consult healthcare providers before use.