Manganese is an essential trace element to all known living organisms. It is an activator of several metalloenzymes, including arginase, pyruvate carboxylase, glutamine synthetase, and one form of superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Manganese also functions as a non-specific enzyme activator and facilitates the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides (such as chondroitin sulfate), lipids and thyroxine. It helps prevent tissue damage caused by lipid oxidation and is an antioxidative transition metal. Manganese is part of the developmental process and the structure of the fragile ear bones.