Magnesium vs. Manganese — What's the Difference?

Found in green vegetables and nuts.

It supports brain and nervous system health.

It supports muscle and nerve function.

Deficiency is rare but harmful.

Necessary for bone health.

Manganese is essential for bone health and metabolism.

Magnesium is a crucial mineral for over 300 biochemical reactions.

Present in nuts, legumes, and tea.

Elders need about 310-420 mg/day.

Required in trace amounts.

Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12. It is a shiny gray solid which bears a close physical resemblance to the other five elements in the second column (group 2, or alkaline earth metals) of the periodic table: all group 2 elements have the same electron configuration in the outer electron shell and a similar crystal structure.

Manganese is a chemical element with the symbol Mn and atomic number 25. It is a hard brittle silvery metal, often found in minerals in combination with iron.

A light, silvery-white, moderately hard metallic element that in ribbon or powder form burns with a brilliant white flame. Obtained chiefly from magnesite, dolomite, and bodies of salt water, it is used in structural alloys, pyrotechnics, flash photography, and incendiary bombs. Atomic number 12; atomic weight 24.305; melting point 650°C; boiling point 1,090°C; specific gravity 1.738 (at 20°C); valence 2. See Periodic Table.

A gray-white brittle metallic element, occurring in several allotropic forms, found worldwide, especially in the ores pyrolusite and rhodochrosite and in nodules on the ocean floor. It is alloyed with steel to increase strength, hardness, wear resistance, and other properties and with other metals to form highly ferromagnetic materials. Atomic number 25; atomic weight 54.938; melting point 1,246°C; boiling point 2,061°C; specific gravity 7.21 to 7.44; valence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. See Periodic Table.

The chemical element (symbol Mg) with an atomic number of 12. It is a light, easily flammable, silvery-white alkaline earth metal.

(uncountable) A metallic chemical element (symbol Mn) with an atomic number of 25, not a free element in nature but often found in minerals in combination with iron, and useful in industrial alloy production.

A light silver-white metallic element of atomic number 12, malleable and ductile, quite permanent in dry air but tarnishing in moist air. It burns, forming (the oxide) magnesia, with the production of a blinding light (the so-called magnesium light) which is used in signaling, in pyrotechny, or in photography where a strong actinic illuminant is required. Its compounds occur abundantly, as in dolomite, talc, meerschaum, etc. Symbol Mg. Atomic weight, 24.305. Specific gravity, 1.75.

(countable) A single atom of this element.

A light silver-white ductile bivalent metallic element; in pure form it burns with brilliant white flame; occurs naturally only in combination (as in magnesite and dolomite and carnallite and spinel and olivine)

An element obtained by reduction of its oxide, as a hard, grayish white metal, fusible with difficulty (melting point 1244° C), but easily oxidized. Its ores occur abundantly in nature as the minerals pyrolusite, manganite, etc. Symbol Mn. Atomic number 25; Atomic weight 54.938 [C=12.011].

A hard brittle gray polyvalent metallic element that resembles iron but is not magnetic; used in making steel; occurs in many minerals

Manganese deficiency is rare but can lead to growth and skeletal issues.

Symptoms include muscle cramps, fatigue, and abnormal heart rhythms.

The body requires significantly more magnesium than manganese daily.

Yes, magnesium plays a role in supporting restful sleep due to its muscle-relaxing properties.

Magnesium is crucial for muscle and nerve function, energy production, and bone health.

Excess magnesium can cause gastrointestinal issues, while too much manganese may lead to toxicity, affecting the nervous system.

Manganese is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and antioxidant functions in the brain.

Yes, a balanced diet typically provides adequate amounts of both minerals.

They play roles in various metabolic processes, with magnesium acting as a cofactor for enzymes that require manganese.

Green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are high in magnesium.

Supplements might be necessary in cases of proven deficiency or specific health conditions.

Both minerals are absorbed through the diet, but their absorption can be influenced by various factors, including overall health and dietary composition.

Magnesium is directly linked to heart health through its effects on muscle function and electrolyte balance, while manganese's role is more indirect, primarily through its metabolic functions.