Imagine that your bones are not just a dead “scaffold” for other muscles and organs, but equally living tissue undergoing dynamic changes. Some cells are created, others merge into larger conglomerates, and still others die. All these processes are controlled by a number of enzymes, hormones, and other signaling substances. Usually, when we talk about bone health, the issue of adequate calcium and vitamin D levels comes to the fore. While this approach is certainly valid, a review article in the Journal of Clinical Medicine shows that other micronutrients, less known to the general public, may also play an important role in bone health. One of them is manganese.
The authors of the article describe manganese as an element that has a multi-channel effect on bone health. It supports processes related to bone matrix formation and mineralization, and influences the remodeling of previously formed bone structures by controlling oxidative stress. One of the key themes mentioned in the article is the role of the manganese-dependent enzyme MnSOD, which controls the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria. When ROS levels get out of control, they can exacerbate the processes leading to bone tissue degradation. The authors emphasize that manganese is a key part of the mitochondrial antioxidant defense system. Studies in animal models seem to confirm these findings. In one experiment, manganese supplementation in rats after ovariectomy was associated with a significant improvement in the mineral density of the spine and femur. Population studies in humans show a similar picture: higher blood manganese levels may correlate with higher bone mineral density in distant, unrelated areas of bone tissue. A large cross-sectional study (of over 9,000 adults) reported an association between elevated blood manganese levels and a reduced risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis, particularly in women aged 50–70.
However, it should be remembered that manganese supplied to the body does not act in a vacuum – the body is equipped with appropriate excretion mechanisms that ensure that its level is “just right” and does not exceed the optimal level. Research on transporters (e.g., SLC30A10) shows how important this control is – when it fails, manganese levels in tissues can rise dramatically, which can also have negative health effects. This is a very important issue: manganese supplementation only makes sense to replenish deficiencies, not to “boost” levels beyond the actual needs of our body. For this reason, before reaching for manganese supplements, it is worth considering consulting a doctor or dietitian, especially if you suffer from liver disease!
The article is based on a review of research:
G. Taskozhina et al., „The Manganese–Bone Connection: Investigating the Role of Manganese in Bone Health”, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024, 13, 4679.
