Introduction:
Manganese plays a quiet but critical role in the body’s internal balance. Even though it’s needed in trace amounts, an imbalance — whether too little or too much — can have a real impact on neurological, skeletal, and metabolic health. In this second article of the manganese series, we’ll explore what happens when manganese levels drop too low or rise too high, and how to spot the signs your body might be out of balance.
Manganese Deficiency: Rare but Possible
Manganese deficiency is uncommon in healthy individuals, especially those with varied diets. However, certain factors can increase the risk, such as:
- Poor nutrient absorption (due to Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or chronic diarrhea)
- Highly processed diets low in whole grains, legumes, or nuts
Excessive intake of iron, calcium, or magnesium, which can compete with manganese for absorption
Symptoms of Manganese Deficiency
While rare, a deficiency in manganese may lead to:
- Poor bone growth or low bone density
- Joint pain or skeletal deformities
- Fatigue or poor energy production
- Poor wound healing
- Impaired glucose tolerance
- Increased oxidative stress due to low antioxidant defense
- Altered mood or cognitive decline
Most symptoms develop gradually and may be subtle, especially in adults.
Manganese Excess (Toxicity): A Real Concern in High Exposure
Unlike many other minerals, manganese can accumulate in the body — especially in the brain — when exposure is too high. This can happen due to:
- Overuse of manganese supplements
- Inhalation of manganese dust in occupational settings (e.g., welding, mining)
- Drinking water contaminated with excessive manganese
- Liver dysfunction, which affects manganese clearance from the body
Symptoms of Manganese Toxicity
Manganese toxicity (also called manganism) most often affects the nervous system, especially with long-term high exposure. Symptoms can include:
- Muscle stiffness or tremors
- Impaired coordination and balance
- Memory problems and irritability
- Slow or slurred speech
- Parkinson-like neurological symptoms
In children, high manganese exposure has been associated with learning difficulties and behavioral issues.
Maintaining a Healthy Balance
Because manganese is stored in the liver and other tissues, too much can build up silently over time — especially when taken as a supplement. That’s why it’s best to:
- Meet your needs through food, not pills, unless medically advised
- Avoid high-dose supplements containing manganese unless prescribed
- Check drinking water for manganese if you use well water or live in a high-risk area
Summary Table: Manganese Deficiency vs. Excess
| Imbalance | Possible Causes | Common Symptoms |
| Deficiency | Poor absorption, low intake, high iron/calcium | Weak bones, fatigue, poor healing, cognitive fog |
| Toxicity (Excess) | Supplements, inhalation, liver issues | Tremors, muscle rigidity, memory loss, neurotoxicity |
Conclusion:
In the next article, we’ll explore how manganese interacts with other nutrients — including iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc — and how to avoid interference when trying to meet your daily mineral needs.