Is Manganese safe?
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Is Manganese Safe? An Analysis of Current Research
Manganese Intake Levels and Safety
Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for Manganese
Manganese is an essential nutrient required for various physiological functions, but its safety at higher intake levels has been a subject of extensive research. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established a safe intake level of 8 mg/day for adults, including pregnant and lactating women, and between 2 and 7 mg/day for other population groups. This recommendation is based on observed dietary intakes from natural sources, as there is insufficient data to establish a precise upper limit for manganese-induced neurotoxicity1.
Health Risks from Environmental and Dietary Exposure
Neurotoxicity and Manganese Exposure
Excessive manganese intake, particularly from environmental sources such as contaminated water, has been linked to neurotoxicity. Studies have shown that high levels of manganese in drinking water can lead to symptoms of neurotoxicity, including cognitive and motor dysfunctions9. In industrial settings, chronic exposure to manganese-laden dust has been associated with neuropsychological changes resembling Parkinson's disease7. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring manganese levels in both environmental and dietary sources to prevent adverse health effects.
Regional Health Risks
In regions like Huangxing Town, Middle China, the ingestion of manganese through contaminated groundwater and vegetables poses significant health risks. Hazard quotient (HQ) values exceeding 1 indicate potential health risks, necessitating pollution control measures to ensure safe water and food supplies2. Similarly, in Bangladesh, manganese levels in tube well water often exceed recommended safety limits, posing non-carcinogenic health risks to both children and adults9.
Manganese in Animal Feed
Safety of Manganese Additives
Manganese is also used as a nutritional additive in animal feed. Studies have shown that manganese chelates of lysine and glutamic acid are safe for chickens at levels up to 150 mg Mn/kg feed, with a margin of safety of 5.5. This safety level can be extrapolated to all animal species, provided that the maximum authorized levels in the EU for total manganese in feed are not exceeded3. Similarly, manganese(II)-betaine complex has been deemed safe for all animal species at specified levels, although it is considered a dermal and respiratory sensitizer due to the presence of nickel6.
Monitoring and Recommendations
Biomarkers and Monitoring
Monitoring manganese exposure is crucial for preventing toxicity. Serum manganese concentrations, combined with brain MRI scans and neurofunctional tests, are effective methods for assessing excessive manganese exposure4. For patients receiving long-term home parenteral nutrition (HPN), a recommended manganese supplementation level of 55 µg/day is based on moderate-strength evidence, although further high-level studies are needed to refine these guidelines10.
Conclusion
Manganese is essential for health but poses risks at high intake levels. Safe intake levels have been established, but regional and environmental factors can lead to excessive exposure, necessitating careful monitoring and regulation. In animal feed, manganese additives are generally safe within specified limits. Ongoing research and refined monitoring methods are essential to ensure manganese safety across different populations and environments.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for manganese
The EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods, and Food Allergens recommended a safe manganese intake of 8 mg/day for adults under 18 years and 2-7 mg/day for other population groups, but the risk of adverse effects increases with higher intake.
Systematic ReviewSpatial analysis of human health risk associated with ingesting manganese in Huangxing Town, Middle China.
In Huangxing Town, Middle China, groundwater and pond water pose potential health risks, with lower risk areas in the northwest and partly southeast, and suitable pollution remedies and control guidelines.
Observational Study
Highly CitedSafety of the feed additive consisting of manganese chelates of lysine and glutamic acid for all animal species (Zinpro Animal Nutrition)
Manganese-LG feed additive is safe for all animal species, with a margin of safety of 5.5, provided maximum EU manganese in feed levels are not exceeded.
Dietary standards for manganese: overlap between nutritional and toxicological studies.
Manganese toxicity is primarily protected by low absorption and rapid elimination by the liver, with serum manganese concentrations being the best biomarker for monitoring insufficient manganese intake and excessive exposure.
Highly CitedRisk Assessment of an Essential Element: Manganese
High manganese exposure can cause adverse neurological, reproductive, and respiratory effects, with guidelines for ambient air levels lower than occupational exposure levels.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedSafety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of manganese(II)‐betaine complex for all animal species (Biochem Zusatzstoffe Handels‐ und Produktionsges. mbH)
Manganese(II)-betaine complex is a safe and effective feed additive for all animal species, with no concerns for consumer safety or the environment, but may cause eye irritation due to nickel presence.
Does environmental exposure to manganese pose a health risk to healthy adults?
Environmental exposure to manganese poses no significant health risk for most North American populations due to weak cause-and-effect relationships and limited research.
Literature ReviewThe impact of manganese on neurotransmitter systems.
Higher manganese intake can negatively impact brain function and negatively impact cognitive functions and locomotion in exposed organisms.
Literature ReviewManganese in potable water of nine districts, Bangladesh: human health risk
Manganese levels in drinking water in nine districts of Bangladesh exceed recommended levels, posing a potential non-carcinogenic health risk for both children and adults.
Observational StudyRecommendations for Manganese Supplementation to Adult Patients Receiving Long-Term Home Parenteral Nutrition: An Analysis of the Supporting Evidence.
The recommendation of 55 g (1 mol) manganese/d for adult patients receiving long-term home parenteral nutrition is supported by moderate-strength evidence, but further high-level evidence is needed to determine the safety of not supplementing manganese.
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