You may have noticed this ingredient on the Just Cat and Premium Cat products. Manganese is a mineral element that falls into the category of earth metals. It is required for hundreds of vital body functions and biochemical reactions.  

Because manganese is never available in isolation, it’s always bonded within another compound. We use the highly bioavailable form, manganese gluconate, as an ultra pure ingredient of pharmaceutical quality, produced in the USA.

Manganese contributes to a variety of metabolic processes within the body. Manganese is a component of many enzymes, protects DNA, proteins, and lipids against oxidative stress, and contributes to the maintenance of bones and energy metabolism.  

A large body of scientific evidence suggests that manganese can help reduce long-term oxidative stress, which contributes to the development of a range of chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.  

Manganese is involved in over 300 cellular processes, including those responsible for protein synthesis and ATP production (ATP is the principal molecule for storing and transferring energy in cells). Too little manganese in the diet has been linked to a number of major health conditions.

Balanced minerals are vital to your pet’s body function. Manganese deficiencies, for example, have been linked to heart disease, blood sugar control, metabolism issues, and other conditions. 

Manganese is a part of several enzymes. It also helps activate other enzymes. An important enzyme is manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). This enzyme helps maintain mitochondrial and cell membranes. It does this by getting rid of free radicals that can damage the fats (lipids) in the membrane.

Manganese supplements can help reverse pet constipation and urinary disorders. Cats are especially prone to intestinal difficulties from hairballs. Additionally, a manganese sufficient diet can help manage struvite urine crystals in cats.

It also blocks the activity of more stimulating neurotransmitters and binds to calming receptors, resulting in a more peaceful, resting state, helping to relax the body.  And finally, manganese is vitally important for healthy brain function. A lack of dietary manganese may contribute to an increase in stress.

Without adequate dietary manganese, many chemical processes in the body may not function properly, opening the door to cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and other painful symptoms.  It also help the body function better with more energy, stronger bones and connective tissue, and more robust brain, GI, and urinary function.

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Bednarczyk P, Dolowy K, Szewczyk A. Matrix Mg2+ regulates mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channel from heart. FEBS Lett. 2005;579:1625–32. [PubMed]