Manganese boosts brain power
evidence
The Claim
Some people believe that manganese supplements can significantly enhance cognitive functions and memory. This belief is often based on manganese's role in enzymatic reactions in the brain.
Origin
This myth likely stems from early animal studies and the role of manganese in brain enzyme systems, which have been extrapolated to suggest similar effects in humans.
What Science Says
Current evidence from human studies does not support the claim that manganese supplementation enhances cognitive function. While manganese is necessary for brain health, excessive intake does not correlate with improved cognition. A few observational studies suggest adequate manganese is important, but no randomized controlled trials have shown cognitive enhancement from supplementation.
Verdict
Mostly False
Sources
- PMID:35997893 Environmental Metal Exposure, Neurodevelopment, and the Role of Iron Status: a Review.
- PMID:39779512 SLC10A7 regulates O-GalNAc glycosylation and Ca<sup>2+</sup> homeostasis in the secretory pathway: insights into SLC10A7-CDG.
- PMID:29070548 Excess iron: considerations related to development and early growth.