Products
Manganese is found in multivitamin supplements and dietary supplements, among other products. In English, it is referred to as manganese. It should not be confused with magnesium.
Structure and properties
Manganese (Mn) is a chemical element with atomic number 25 and atomic mass of 54.94 u, belonging to the transition metals. It exists as a silver-gray, hard and brittle metal with a high melting point of 1246 °C. It occurs frequently in the earth’s crust, for example in the mineral pyrolusite, and is also found on the sea floor in the so-called manganese nodules, which contain other elements. Manganese is also essential for plant growth. Manganese has seven valence electrons and is characterized by its many possible oxidation states of up to +7. Typical oxidation states are +2, +4 and +7. In the disinfectant potassium permanganate, it is +7 (see figure). This corresponds to the number of valence electrons (3d54s2). In manganese chloride (MnCl2) and manganese sulfate (MnSO4) the oxidation number is +2, in manganese dioxide (MnO2) +4. In pharmaceuticals, manganese is present in the form of various salts and complexes, e.g., as manganese carbonate, manganese chloride, manganese gluconate, and manganese sulfate. These are often pink in color.
Effects
Manganese is an essential trace element that plays an important role in the body as a cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in many metabolic pathways (e.g., pyruvate carboxylase, manganese superoxide dismutase). The human body contains only about 10 to 20 mg of manganese, much of it in bone.
Fields of application (selection)
In the form of various salts:
- For the prevention and treatment of deficiency states.
- As a dietary supplement.
Potassium permanganate:
- As a disinfectant.
Manganese dioxide:
- As a catalyst for chemical reactions.
- For the production of batteries.
As metal:
- For the production of alloys and steel.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The daily requirement for adults is 2.0 to 5.0 mg according to DACH reference values. Manganese deficiency is considered rare.
Adverse effects
Manganese is neurotoxic when overdosed and can lead to Parkinson’s-like disease. This, for example, when it is inhaled in the form of dust (manganism).