Manganese dosage

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element involved in numerous biological processes, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids . It also plays a role in protection against oxidative stress , acting as a cofactor for superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) , a major antioxidant enzyme.

Naturally present in soils, water, and plants , manganese is found in the human diet through whole grains, nuts, legumes, and spinach . Its dosage is essential to ensure sufficient intake without exceeding the safety thresholds set by health authorities.

Objective of manganese assay

Manganese analysis allows us to measure the concentration of this element in various types of matrices:

• Food products (flours, drinks, supplements),
• Drinking or mineral water,
• Animal feed,
• Plant extracts and agricultural raw materials,
• Nutraceutical products and enriched formulations.

This analysis is crucial for:

• To control the nutritional quality of the products,
• Verify regulatory compliance (permitted levels in food and animal feed),
• Monitor metal contamination in natural matrices,
• Ensure the safety and traceability of manganese-enriched ingredients.

Analytical methods used

At YesWeLab , manganese levels are measured using highly sensitive spectrometric techniques:

• ICP-MS (induced plasma mass spectrometry) : allows ultra-sensitive detection, suitable for complex matrices and low concentrations.
• ICP-OES (optical plasma emission spectrometry) : reference method for routine analyses in food and plant products.
• AAS (atomic absorption spectroscopy) : used for the precise quantification of manganese in water or biological extracts.

These methods, in accordance with ISO 17294-2 and AOAC 999.10 , ensure maximum analytical reliability and complete traceability of results.

Regulatory framework

In Europe, regulations strictly control the manganese content in food and drinking water:

• According to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 , the nutrient reference value (NRV) for manganese is set at 2 mg/day for an adult.
• Directive 98/83/EC on water intended for human consumption sets a parametric value of 50 µg/L .
• In food supplements , the content must comply with the thresholds set by Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 , in order to avoid any overdose.

Chronic excess manganese can lead to neurological disorders (manganism), hence the need for rigorous controls in products intended for human and animal nutrition.

Industrial applications

Manganese analysis is applicable to several fields:

• Food industry : control of micronutrient levels in flours, cereals, drinks and infant formulas.
• Nutraceuticals : standardization of formulations enriched with essential minerals.
• Animal nutrition : verification of manganese intake in livestock feed, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1869 .
• Plants and agriculture : assessment of levels in plant tissues and soils to prevent deficiencies or toxicities.
• Water and environment : monitoring the quality of drinking, mineral or irrigation water.

Affected matrices

• Drinking and mineral water
• Food (seeds, dried fruits, cereals, flours)
• Dietary and nutritional supplements
• Animal feed
• Plant raw materials

Recommended Related Analyses

For a complete mineral profile assessment, YesWeLab recommends combining manganese measurement with other complementary analyses:

• Iron dosage : monitoring of another key trace element in energy metabolism,
• Copper assay : monitoring of antioxidant catalytic metals,
• Zinc dosage : measurement of an element essential for immunity and cell growth.
• Molybdenum assay : analysis of a trace element complementary to enzymatic metabolism.
• Nickel assay : monitoring of potentially allergenic metals in natural matrices.

Why entrust your analysis to YesWeLab?

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting the agri-food, nutraceutical, and environmental industries with their analytical needs for metals and trace elements.
Through a network of partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 / COFRAC , YesWeLab guarantees:

• Reliable and standardized results ,
• Optimized delivery times ,
• A selection of methods adapted to each matrix ,
• Tailored scientific support .

The R&D, quality and regulatory teams benefit from personalized support to ensure the conformity of their products and demonstrate their safety.

Need to analyze the manganese in your food products, plants or supplements?
Contact YesWeLab for a quick quote and analysis compliant with international standards .