Quick Summary

Manganese bisglycinate is a chelated form of the essential trace mineral manganese, commonly used in dietary supplements to potentially improve absorption and bioavailability compared to other manganese salts. Manganese itself is vital for normal physiological functions, but specific clinical evidence on the supplementation effects of the bisglycinate form is limited or not well established.

What is it?

Manganese bisglycinate is a compound consisting of manganese ion bound (chelated) to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. Chelation is intended to enhance stability and absorption in the digestive tract. Manganese is an essential trace mineral required in small amounts for various biochemical processes. While manganese occurs naturally in many foods, the bisglycinate form is primarily used in nutritional supplements.

Main Functions in the Body

  • Manganese functions as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in amino acid, carbohydrate, and cholesterol metabolism.
  • It plays a role in antioxidant defenses, contributing to the neutralization of free radicals through enzymes such as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD).
  • Involved in bone formation and wound healing processes.

Recommended Intake and Upper Limit

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) or Adequate Intakes (AIs) for manganese have been established by several authoritative bodies, including the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, but specific values vary by age, sex, and life stage. Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for manganese exist to minimize the risk of toxicity, although details specific to manganese bisglycinate are not provided in available data.

People interested in supplementation should consult reliable national or regional guidelines relevant to their demographic.

Best Food Sources

No food-specific data is available for manganese bisglycinate, as it is a synthetic supplement form. However, manganese itself is naturally found in whole grains, nuts, legumes, leafy green vegetables, and certain fruits.

Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms and Risk Groups

Manganese deficiency is considered rare due to its widespread presence in the diet and the body’s efficient conservation mechanisms. Deficiency can theoretically occur from poor dietary intake, malabsorption disorders, or excessive loss, but specific data on deficiency related to manganese bisglycinate is not available.

Signs of deficiency might include impaired growth, skeletal abnormalities, and altered carbohydrate and fat metabolism, although such symptoms are uncommon in typical dietary contexts.

Supplement Forms

  • Manganese bisglycinate: A chelated form where manganese is bound to glycine molecules, intended to improve solubility and absorption.
  • Other common manganese forms found in supplements include oxides, sulfates, and chlorides, which are usually less well absorbed.

Absorption and Bioavailability

Chelation of manganese with glycine (as in manganese bisglycinate) is believed to enhance bioavailability relative to non-chelated manganese salts. This is due to improved solubility and protection of the mineral from interactions that inhibit absorption in the gut.

However, direct human clinical data comparing manganese bisglycinate’s absorption to other forms is unavailable based on current evidence.

Potential Benefits: What Does the Evidence Say?

Essential Trace Mineral Function:

The essential role of manganese in human health is well supported by strong scientific evidence. It contributes critically to enzymatic reactions involved in metabolism and antioxidant defense. Although the bisglycinate form is designed to be bioavailable, no specific clinical trials have evaluated its unique benefits as a supplement compared to other manganese forms.

Therefore, supplementation with manganese bisglycinate may provide manganese in a potentially more absorbable form, but clinical evidence confirming additional advantages is lacking.

Side Effects and Toxicity

Excessive manganese intake can lead to toxicity, with neurological symptoms resembling Parkinsonism appearing in severe cases—particularly due to occupational or environmental exposures rather than diet. Established Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for manganese aim to prevent such outcomes.

Specific safety data for high intake of manganese bisglycinate are not available; thus, supplementation should respect general manganese intake recommendations to avoid toxicity.

Drug and Nutrient Interactions

No direct evidence of interactions specific to manganese bisglycinate was provided. Generally, manganese absorption and metabolism may be affected by interactions with other minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus, but detailed data are lacking for the bisglycinate form.

Who Should Be Careful?

  • Individuals with liver or kidney disease, as impaired excretion could increase toxicity risk.
  • People with iron overload disorders or other mineral absorption issues.
  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before supplement use.
  • Those using medications requiring mineral monitoring or affecting mineral status should seek medical advice before supplementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is manganese bisglycinate better absorbed than other forms? It is chemically designed for better absorption, but specific human studies are limited.
  • Can supplementation with manganese bisglycinate prevent deficiency? Deficiency is rare in the general population; supplement use may help individuals with very low intake under medical guidance.
  • Are there any risks with manganese bisglycinate supplements? Excessive intake of manganese can be toxic; supplementation should not exceed recommended levels.
  • Does manganese bisglycinate have any authorized health claims in the EU? No EU-authorized health claims are currently available for manganese bisglycinate.

Evidence Limitations

  • There is insufficient human clinical trial data specific to manganese bisglycinate.
  • No studies were found evaluating deficiency, supplementation benefits, side effects, or interactions of manganese bisglycinate specifically.
  • No authorized EU health claims exist for manganese bisglycinate at present.

References

Disclaimer: This page provides general information about manganese bisglycinate and manganese nutrition. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have existing medical conditions (including kidney or thyroid diseases), iron overload disorders, or are using medication should consult a healthcare professional before beginning any supplement regimen.

Last reviewed: June 2024