People have recognized the value of mineral and organic acid combinations long before anyone could put a name to every compound. Manganese citrate started as a solution to a basic need—bringing critical micronutrients to medicine and industry without the rougher side effects seen with pure metals or simpler salts. The real push began in the twentieth century. Pharmaceutical innovators wanted manganese in a form the body could use easily, especially for those who struggled to absorb it from diet alone. Around this time, citric acid, already trusted for its role in metabolism, became the partner of choice for mineral chelation. Laboratories across Europe and North America refined processes that brought manganese citrate from a lab curiosity to widespread use in supplementation, feed additives, and industrial catalysts. The tides of medical research, nutrition science, and industrial chemistry have since continued to propel its use forward.
Manganese citrate combines manganese with citric acid—both natural components, but together, they bring new possibilities. This compound often appears as a fine powder or granule, light pink or faintly off-white. Supplement brands, animal feed producers, and chemical suppliers all line up versions of this product, meeting different purity and granularity standards. Its appeal lies in ease of ingestion, solubility in water, and the promise of less gastric irritation than magnesium oxide or sulfates. Technical markets use it to dial in the performance of catalysts or vitamins, reaching for it whenever both reactivity and safety demand. You find bottles on pharmacy shelves, bulk bags in agriculture, and formulations in niche research labs.
Look at the powder: manganese citrate usually shows a light pinkish color, set off by the nature of the manganese ion. Its taste runs slightly tart, much like citric acid itself. It dissolves readily in water—a quality prized in both supplements and experiments needing a clear solution. The pH, once dissolved, sits mildly acidic. On a molecular level, manganese citrate shares the backbone of the citrate group with the metal atom tightly coordinated, giving it much higher stability than either constituent on its own. In ambient air and room temperature, the compound holds up well against breakdown or caking, as long as one keeps it dry. Some grades offer higher moisture resistance, accommodating long-term storage needs in humid conditions.
Manufacturers publish technical sheets—these mark every figure buyers care about: percentage of manganese (often above 15%), loss on drying (usually under 8%), heavy metal limits, and particle size. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical standards go further, setting purity requirements to keep contaminants, like lead and arsenic, at almost undetectable levels. Whether sold to supplement firms or animal feed producers, packaging displays chemical formula (C12H10Mn3O14·xH2O), batch number for traceability, expiry date, and directions for use. Labels also carry warnings—Proper handling avoids inhalation and ingestion above recommended doses. Each industry expects supporting documents, such as Certificates of Analysis, ensuring claims match reality.
The established route for making manganese citrate brings together manganese carbonate or manganese chloride and citric acid in a reaction vessel—usually stainless steel to avoid contamination. Under controlled heating and agitation, citric acid dissolves, then the manganese salt joins in. As reactions run to completion, manganese ions take hold of the citrate molecules, creating a coordinated network. Neutralization, filtration, and concentration steps follow, stripping away excess reagents and water. Further purification uses repeated dissolution and precipitation, producing a clean, uniform product. Drying, often under vacuum or gentle heat, finishes the process, ensuring the product can sit on shelves without clumping or spoiling.
Manganese citrate enters reactions as both a source of manganese and as a chelator. Chemists harness this dual role in synthesis: it serves as a gentle oxidizer or reagent when mild reactivity is valuable. In water, the bond between manganese and citrate holds steady under most biological or environmental conditions, only breaking down with intense heat, strong acids, or bases. Researchers tweak the chemical by adding co-ligands or changing the solvent, tuning solubility or stability for custom applications. Some industrial processes modify the citrate backbone to make it more hydrophobic, aiming for better performance in non-water-based systems. In laboratories, it’s often a starting point for further manganese chelates or mixed-metal complexes, each with particular uses in catalysis or materials science.
Walk through a catalog and you might see manganese(II) citrate monohydrate, manganous citrate, or simply Mn-citrate. Chemical supply houses use systematic names on paperwork, but supplement makers pick short, approachable terms—often just “manganese citrate.” These aliases can confuse buyers, especially when purity, hydration state, or source varies. Educated buyers check specifications, not just names, to avoid surprises in formulation or performance. The CAS number helps sort out ambiguity, tying every bag and bottle back to a precise chemical structure. In academic literature, “manganese (II) citrate” shows up the most, offering consistency for cross-checking research.
Handling manganese citrate asks for the same respect given to most mineral salts. Inhaled dust can irritate the lungs and mucous membranes. Prolonged or heavy exposure to manganese, through any form, risks neurological harm—a concern demonstrated in industrial accidents and mineral mining. Factories use air extractors, PPE, and training to keep workers safe. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) detail responses to spills, personal protection, and disposal. Regulatory bodies, including OSHA, FDA, and EFSA, define maximum residue limits in supplements and animal feeds, requiring routine batch testing. Keeping the workplace clean and dry prevents not only industrial accidents, but also product degradation and cross-contamination. For consumers, clear dosage guidelines protect against overdose, as excessive manganese can overwhelm the body’s natural elimination pathways.
Dietary supplements top the list for manganese citrate. Its solubility and bioavailability give it an edge over oxide versions, especially in multivitamins designed for sensitive digestive tracts. In animal husbandry, the compound helps round out mineral mixes for livestock, ensuring proper bone development and metabolism. Chemists reach for manganese citrate in synthesis runs, using it as a catalyst or mild oxidant, particularly if the process needs both reactivity and low residual contamination. Researchers use it to explore the role of trace minerals in enzymes and biological pathways—it often serves as a control or standard in in vitro studies. Plant fortification and hydroponics, where exact micronutrient doses shape yield and health, see increasing uptake as magnesium and iron analogs become common.
Labs constantly push manganese citrate beyond its traditional uses. Biochemists study how the compound supports enzyme activity, testing whether it helps certain populations—especially those with malabsorption syndromes—better absorb this essential mineral. In drug development, scientists try pairing manganese citrate with carrier systems, exploring improved delivery to tissues where deficiency hits hardest, like the brain and reproductive organs. Agricultural experts want more efficient, lower-waste fertilizers, testing whether plant roots take up manganese citrate more efficiently than older salts. Materials scientists blend it into hybrid catalysts for green-energy reactions, measuring activity, stability, and cost. Universities and contract research labs publish datasets on everything from thermal stability to rare side effects, often feeding these insights back to regulators and suppliers.
Manganese toxicity comes at high, repeated doses—something clearly documented in both human and animal studies. Symptoms start subtly: headaches, fatigue, minor movement disorders. With greater exposure, particularly among steelworkers or miners, manganese targets the basal ganglia in the brain, mimicking Parkinson’s disease through tremor and rigidity. Animal studies confirm risks, but also help researchers define safe thresholds for daily intake. The citrate form, thanks to its quick absorption and excretion, carries a slightly different risk profile versus less soluble forms; this detail guides safety evaluations for supplement makers and health regulators. Researchers keep a close watch on interactions with other minerals and how chronic conditions, like liver disease, might change an individual’s risk. Thorough toxicology work underpins every new application—no amount of potential benefit justifies overlooked harm.
With health trends pointing toward precision nutrition, manganese citrate will see greater tailoring to specialized populations—pregnant women, athletes, aging adults—all demanding just the right dose and form. Advances in encapsulation may further increase bioavailability while minimizing side effects, helping lower doses match or surpass the results seen with older forms. Agriculture, facing soil depletion and tighter environmental controls, will push for chelated minerals like manganese citrate to get just the right nutrients into plants and animals—wasting less, polluting less. Pharmaceutical firms look at manganese citrate as a springboard for making new drugs targeting oxidative stress or metabolic diseases. As green chemistry takes hold, industries could swap harsher catalysts for manganese citrate derivatives, reducing hazards without slowing innovation. The near future brings more transparent labeling, cleaner production, and ever-broader research—helping this once-simple compound reach complex real-world needs.
Manganese often gets less attention than minerals like iron or calcium, but it holds an important place in nutrition. Manganese citrate stands out because it’s a form of manganese that the body can absorb with greater ease. I used to skip over mineral details on supplement bottles, not realizing how something with such a strange name could make any real difference. Spending years reading nutrition research and talking with health professionals finally convinced me to pay attention.
Growing up, bone health felt like an old folks’ problem. Only after learning about osteoporosis did it sink in that building strong bones is a lifelong process. Manganese plays a role in forming bone and connective tissue. The National Institutes of Health points to this mineral as part of the enzyme systems that create cartilage and bone. One study in Osteoporosis International linked low manganese intake with lower bone density. Not getting enough could raise the chance of weak bones or even fractures later on.
It’s easy to forget just how many invisible jobs the body handles each day. One big task is breaking down carbs, protein, and fat for energy. Manganese supports enzymes that manage this process. If your diet leans heavy on starches or simple sugars, you might need more support from these enzymes. Some researchers studying metabolic disorders noticed that manganese deficiency can disrupt healthy processing of food and even interfere with blood sugar control.
Stress, junk food, and pollution create free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells over time. The body creates an antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, that needs manganese to do its work. Without enough, the body’s defenses slow down. I’ve seen friends try all sorts of expensive supplements for antioxidants, unaware that a trace mineral could already be missing in their diet. Diets rich in grains, nuts, and leafy greens can help, but some still need extra support. Manganese citrate supplements can provide a targeted way to fill gaps when food alone isn’t enough.
Sometimes my focus and memory slip, especially after long stretches of stress. It turns out, manganese helps neurons do their job, relaying signals and keeping the mind sharp. Research in NeuroToxicology shows that steady, balanced intake of this mineral supports brain functions and mood balance, pointing to an intricate link between minerals and mental health.
Most people probably get enough manganese from whole grains, beans, nuts, and green vegetables. Still, vegans, people with absorption issues, or those relying on highly processed foods can develop deficiencies. Symptoms include weak joints, brittle hair, and sluggish metabolism. I’ve seen dietitians suggest manganese citrate, since its bioavailability fits those who benefit most from supplements. But no one should overdo it; large amounts can be toxic, so supplementing requires guidance from a nutritionist or doctor.
Boosting health isn’t always about trendy superfoods or restrictive diets. Sometimes, reliable minerals waiting in the background need some attention. Manganese citrate won’t fix everything overnight, but keeping this mineral steady can support bones, energy, and the mind for years to come. Exploring small changes in daily habits often delivers the most sustainable results.
Manganese often flies under the radar in daily nutrition talks, overshadowed by more famous minerals like iron or magnesium. Still, sitting right there in the background, manganese does real work—helping the body metabolize carbs, protein, and cholesterol. Bones and joints also need their share. People sometimes overlook the importance of balance here. Too little? Fatigue, brittle bones, and even poor metabolism. Too much? Potential nerve problems and other unwanted surprises.
I’ve talked to quite a few folks who load up on supplements just because the bottle looks healthy. Fact is, the body only needs a bit of manganese—usually between 1.8 and 2.3 milligrams a day for adults, based on recommendations from medical experts like those at the National Institutes of Health. Most folks who eat a mix of grains, nuts, leafy greens, and tea get enough through food. For some, though, a supplement seems like a good idea (think people with dietary restrictions, absorption disorders, or very limited diets.)
Look at the label first. Check how much actual manganese is in each tablet or capsule. Some products serve up more than the daily requirement in one shot. Manganese also competes with other minerals for absorption, so taking it with a heavy meal dripping with iron or calcium might not give the best results. Swallowing your supplement with a small meal—not a heavy one—lets the body take in what it needs without much interference.
Mixing and matching supplements can cause surprises in the body. People with liver disease or those who are pregnant need to talk to a healthcare provider before using manganese at all. I’ve met people who wanted to "boost" energy but ended up getting more than they bargained for. The nervous system doesn’t play around with excess manganese—long-term large doses can hit memory and movement. It makes sense to track all the sources, even fortified cereals or over-the-counter multivitamins, because those add up fast.
Not all supplements come with the same standards. Reliable brands usually send their products off for independent testing. Labels can stretch the truth, and just because a bottle says “natural,” it doesn’t always mean safe or best. Running a quick check for third-party certifications like USP or NSF helps crowd out the fakes and mislabeling. Reading reviews and asking a pharmacist or doctor for trusted brands can save time, money, and confusion.
What often gets lost in the hype is that more is not always better. Drawing from my own experience and talking to nutrition professionals, moderation always beats megadoses. A supplement should fill gaps—not become the entire game plan. Focusing on quality foods still covers the basics for most adults. For those with real medical needs, a supplement can absolutely help, as long as it lines up with honest, up-to-date advice from a health professional.
Manganese citrate pops up on supplement shelves as a source of an essential trace mineral. Manganese supports bones, helps regulate blood sugar, and keeps nerves on track. Most folks pick up enough from their diet—nuts, beans, leafy greens—but some turn to supplements, either out of concern for deficiencies or on advice from their health practitioners.
Sticking to recommended daily amounts rarely stirs trouble. The National Institutes of Health suggests adults keep intake below 11 mg per day. Cross that mark, and things can head south. High levels of manganese build up, especially for folks with liver trouble because their bodies can’t clear it fast enough. Nausea, headaches, irritability, and muscle cramps often top the list. Too much manganese over months or years can start to affect memory, movement, and even mood—sometimes doctors call this “manganism,” a set of symptoms that mirror Parkinson’s disease. The reality is, getting to these extreme levels from diet alone is uncommon, but strong supplements tip the risk higher. In my own experience as a health writer, most symptoms pop up in people who go wild with multiple mineral blends, not individuals who just grab a standard multivitamin off the shelf.
Stacking multiple supplements raises concerns. Some athletes, for example, load up on mineral-rich products without reading labels closely. Add in a daily protein shake with “trace mineral blend,” throw in a multivitamin, and it’s easy to end up doubling or tripling that safe upper limit. Manganese and iron also use overlapping absorption “doors” in the gut. Someone with low iron might cut back absorption further by piling on extra manganese. Long-term kidney issues or a damaged liver takes away another layer of protection. The body holds manganese longer, and toxicity edges closer. The numbers show it’s patients with chronic liver or kidney conditions who wind up at clinics with unexplained shakes or trouble walking.
Research doesn’t leave much wiggle room. A 2022 review from the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology listed neurological symptoms and liver stress as the top hazards of excessive manganese intake. Occupational studies—especially with welders working with manganese dust—tie the mineral with slowed reaction time and memory hiccups. For the everyday supplement user, risk edges up only over long periods of heavy use, but it’s not just theory. Actual cases in the medical literature trace supplements back as the culprit for mental changes, tremors, and even problems with blood pressure regulation.
Doctors, dietitians, and pharmacists urge one thing: know your numbers. Read those labels, ask about interaction with other meds, and balance supplements with actual food sources. If you eat a good variety of beans, whole grains, nuts, and vegetables, extra manganese rarely brings more benefit. More isn’t always better, and some minerals—like manganese—draw a pretty clear line between enough and too much. Anyone with a liver or kidney condition, or those with neurological symptoms, should bring up manganese with their provider before adding in a supplement.
Manganese citrate often turns up in vitamins or mineral blends, usually with a label promising bone health, energy, or maybe even sharper memory. Manganese itself keeps enzymes running and helps bones, blood sugar, and nerves function smoothly. Like many nutrients, it only helps when it’s kept in range — too little causes problems, but so does too much.
People sometimes think more is better, but manganese stands out as a mineral that doesn't play by that rule. The body only needs tiny amounts. Most adults get enough through a varied diet — grains, nuts, leafy greens, and tea already provide plenty for daily needs. The National Institutes of Health lists 2.3 mg per day for men, 1.8 mg for women as the upper end of what’s needed. Consuming more than 11 mg daily over the long term increases the risk of toxicity. Research shows that excess manganese can build up in the brain, leading to symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Cases reported in medical literature almost always involved people exposed through contaminated water or inhaling dust at worksites. That doesn’t mean supplements are safe without limits, especially if someone takes them for years.
Manganese citrate is a manufactured form, often found in pills or powders. The body absorbs this form a little differently than the manganese that comes from food. Studies comparing absorption rates found that supplements deliver a bigger punch per mg. People with regular diets packed with seeds, grains, and greens already cover basic needs. When supplements get added on top, levels start to climb. Blood tests aren’t practical for everyone, but long-term studies suggest that anyone with normal eating habits rarely needs to add more manganese to their daily routine.
Some groups face more risk. People with chronic liver problems don’t move manganese out of the body as efficiently. In these cases, a regular supplement multiplies the risk of accumulating too much. Kids also absorb more manganese than adults, so supplements made for children require special attention to doses. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may need a little extra, but their needs are still best met with food unless recommended by a doctor.
Doctors rarely recommend long-term manganese supplements for the average healthy adult. In the rare case of a deficiency, such as with certain metabolic conditions, supplementation is usually short-term and closely monitored. Regular blood checks and follow-up with a healthcare provider help flag issues early. Mixing multiple supplements can tip the balance easily. Most multivitamins already include some manganese. Read labels and keep track of what goes into the daily routine. Avoid doubling up.
Stick to food for this mineral whenever possible. If a doctor suggests a supplement, ask why and how long to take it. After recovering from a deficiency, recheck levels and shift back to food sources. Anyone obsessed with the latest supplement fad might be better off investing in a balanced grocery cart than a bottle of pills. Education around supplement safety needs more attention — public health campaigns could put a spotlight on safe limits, especially as supplement aisles continue to expand.
Manganese shows up in all sorts of supplements claiming to boost bone health, help the body process nutrients, and support overall wellness. Manganese citrate, in particular, gets marketed as a gentle, well-absorbed form. But walking into a pharmacy or browsing shelves online, it’s easy to forget that “natural” or “essential” doesn’t mean safe for everyone, all the time.
Some folks need to lock away the supplement bottle. People dealing with chronic liver disease fall into this category. The liver keeps manganese levels in check, so anyone with cirrhosis, hepatitis, or past liver injury faces a real risk. Poor liver function lets manganese build up, and too much can damage nerves—sometimes leading to symptoms that look a lot like Parkinson’s disease. Neurological side effects from excess manganese, such as tremors or trouble walking, aren’t hard to find in the medical literature.
Kidney function matters just as much. Those on dialysis or living with chronic kidney failure often face mineral restrictions for a reason. Their bodies struggle to clear out extra manganese, increasing the chance it piles up to harmful levels. Many kidney specialists warn patients away from supplements containing manganese unless blood work shows a real deficiency, and even then, only under careful guidance.
Small children soak up minerals from food far more easily than adults, and they don’t need much extra from supplements. High doses of manganese over time can lead to learning and behavior problems that linger. Medical experts in child development urge parents to keep manganese citrate and any supplements containing manganese away from children unless prescribed for rare genetic disorders involving manganese metabolism. Looking at the research, most kids get plenty from diet—grains, beans, and greens cover all the bases for healthy growth.
Anyone battling anemia might see manganese in a supplement bottle and think it could help. It won’t. Iron and manganese use some of the same body pathways, and too much manganese can block the body from using iron efficiently. Those already struggling with low iron levels or taking iron supplements should ask their doctor before adding manganese citrate. Doctors and nutritionists point to iron-rich foods and supervised iron therapy as safer ways to restore healthy levels.
Pregnant women already balance so many nutrients. Evidence shows that extra manganese can cross the placenta, and high levels may raise risk for developmental issues in the baby. During breastfeeding, manganese appears in milk as well. Most guidelines recommend sticking to what’s found in prenatal vitamins and not taking separate manganese citrate supplements unless a physician specifically says otherwise. Studies tracking supplement use during pregnancy prefer to play it safe.
Manganese supplements can also tangle with prescription drugs. People taking antipsychotics or blood pressure medications need to check in with their prescriber. Some antibiotics, especially doxycycline, work less well if taken close to manganese. Communication remains key: pharmacists often spot nutrient-drug interactions that others miss.
People working in industries where they breathe in manganese dust or smoke (like welding, mining, or steel work) already have higher levels in the body. Extra manganese from supplements adds to the load. Occupational health agencies often run annual tests and recommend avoiding supplements to workers in these environments.
The best advice: before reaching for manganese citrate, have an honest chat with a trusted healthcare provider. Labs can check for deficiency, and a review of current medications and health conditions helps avoid surprises.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | manganese(2+) 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate |
| Other names |
Citrate de manganèse Manganese(2+) citrate Manganous citrate Citric acid manganese(2+) salt |
| Pronunciation | /ˈmæŋ.ɡəˌniːz ˈsɪ.treɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 7773-05-1 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1851357 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:31544 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL612019 |
| ChemSpider | 14237349 |
| DrugBank | DB11131 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.033.561 |
| EC Number | 231-863-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 320877 |
| KEGG | C17237 |
| MeSH | D017674 |
| PubChem CID | 133051 |
| RTECS number | OO9625000 |
| UNII | NW8L6J0T6M |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | Manganese Citrate: "DTXSID3046732 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C12H10Mn3O14 |
| Molar mass | 474.84 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.74 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | -2.5 |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Acidity (pKa) | 3.13 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 7.32 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | Paramagnetic |
| Dipole moment | 6.49 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 254.3 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A12CC03 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Suspected of causing genetic defects. Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child. Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. Harmful if swallowed. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Pictograms | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302: Harmful if swallowed. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P270, P301+P312, P330, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat > 2,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | > 4,810 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | Manganese Citrate does not have a specific NIOSH number. |
| PEL (Permissible) | 5 mg/m³ |
| REL (Recommended) | 2 mg |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Manganese(II) sulfate Manganese(II) chloride Manganese(II) acetate Manganese(II) carbonate Manganese(II) oxide |
