Chapter 11: Micronutrients in Metabolism

11.10 Manganese

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Food Science and Human Nutrition Program

Manganese is a cofactor for enzymes that are required for carbohydrate and cholesterol metabolism, bone formation, and the synthesis of urea. The antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase also uses manganese as a cofactor.

Manganese deficiency is uncommon, and there is not a clear syndrome that has been characterized.  When it has been observed, symptoms have included impaired growth, bone demineralization, and changes to blood cholesterol and/or glucose tolerance.  Toxicity is more of a concern with manganese.  Occupational exposure has been seen in welders and miners who inhale manganese dust.  Toxicity has also occurred as a result of contaminated drinking water.  Long-term overexposure to manganese can cause neurological symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.[1]

Dietary Reference Intakes for Manganese

Table 11.101 Dietary Reference Intakes for Manganese[2]

Age Group AI Males and Females (mg/day) UL (mg/day)
Infants (0–6 months) 0.003 None established
Infants (7–12 months) 0.6 None established
Children (1–3 years) 1.2 2
Children (4–8 years) 1.5 3
Children (9–13 years) 1.9 (males), 1.6 (females) 6
Adolescents (14–18 years) 2.2 (males), 1.6 (females) 9
Adults (> 19 years) 2.3 (males), 1.8 (females) 11
Pregnancy 2.0 Same as non-pregnant
Lactation 2.6 Same as non-lactating

Dietary Sources of Manganese

Table 11.102 Some Food Sources of Manganese[3]

Food Serving Manganese (mg)
Pineapple, raw 1/2 cup, chunks 0.77
Pineapple juice 1/2 cup (4 fl. oz.) 0.63
Pecans 1 ounce (19 halves) 1.28
Almonds 1 ounce (23 whole kernels) 0.65
Peanuts 1 ounce 0.55
Instant oatmeal (prepared with water) 1 packet 0.99
Raisin bran cereal 1 cup 0.78-3.02
Brown rice, cooked 1/2 cup 1.07
Whole wheat bread 1 slice 0.60
Pinto beans, cooked 1/2 cup 0.39
Lima beans, cooked 1/2 cup 0.49
Spinach, cooked 1/2 cup 0.44
Sweet potato, cooked 1/2 cup, mashed 0.44
Tea (green) 1 cup (8 ounces) 0.41-1.58

 

  1. Micronutrient Information Center: Manganese. Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/manganese. Updated in March 2010. Accessed September 02, 2020. ↵
  2. Source:  Dietary Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Manganese. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Manganese-HealthProfessional/. Updated March 26, 2021. Accessed July 31, 2023. ↵
  3. Source: Micronutrient Information Center: Manganese. Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/manganese. Updated in March 2010. Accessed September 02, 2020. ↵
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