Minerals

Manganese

A trace mineral essential for bone health and antioxidant defense.

Manganese is a cofactor for manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), one of the body's most important mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes. It also supports bone formation, blood clotting, and carbohydrate metabolism. Adequate manganese intake helps protect mitochondria from oxidative damage, which is a central mechanism of aging.

Dosage

RDA: 2.3mg for men, 1.8mg for women (adequate intake)

Optimal for longevity: Researchers suggest 2-5mg daily from food sources. Excess manganese from supplements or environmental exposure can be neurotoxic.

Deficiency signs

True deficiency is rare due to widespread availability in plant foods, but suboptimal intake is common in processed-food diets

  • Impaired bone growth or density
  • Skin rashes
  • Changes in hair color
  • Altered fat metabolism

Top food sources

Mussels (3 oz)5.8mg
Brown rice, cooked (1 cup)1.8mg
Pecans (1 oz)1.3mg
Pineapple (1 cup)1.5mg
Oatmeal, cooked (1 cup)1.4mg

Research

Li L, Yang X (2018). The essential element manganese, oxidative stress, and metabolic diseases. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2018, 7580707.

Track your manganese intake

Biohack logs manganese alongside 22 other longevity nutrients in every meal.

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