Can You Take Iron and Manganese Together?
Usually, yes. Iron status can affect manganese absorption, but current evidence does not establish a required spacing interval.
The short answer
Iron and manganese can usually be taken together, although a person's iron status can change how much manganese is absorbed.
Why it happens
Dietary iron intake and ferritin status are inversely associated with manganese absorption, possibly because iron and manganese share part of an intestinal transport pathway.
What to do
Typical multivitamin doses can generally be taken together. If you are treating iron deficiency, follow your iron instructions and do not add high-dose manganese on your own.
When this advice applies
Iron deficiency may increase manganese absorption. Extra caution is warranted with chronic high manganese exposure or chronic liver disease.
References
- Manganese — Health Professional Fact SheetNIH Office of Dietary Supplements · 2021
Updated July 31, 2026 · How to use this guidance