Functions of manganese include normal skeletal development, a healthy immune system, and maintenance of sex hormone production, healthy nerves, and brain. Manganese is absorbed in the small intestine. Absorption rate is about 40 percent of the total ingested. Manganese is stored in small amounts in the bones, pituitary gland, pancreas, intestinal mucosa, and liver. Only 12 to 20 milligrams of manganese are stored at one time.
Supplemental manganese is recommended for strains, sprains, and inflammation.
Manganese supplementation may be helpful for epileptic seizures. Epileptics have low whole blood and hair manganese levels, and those with the lowest manganese levels typically have the highest seizure activity. Manganese is an important component in the enzymes responsible for glucose metabolism, and thus may be beneficial for diabetics. Manganese levels of diabetics are only one-half the level of normal individuals. Manganese may be helpful in the treatment of osteoarthritis.