Can children's multivitamins contain too much manganese?

What's actually in it

Manganese is a mineral your body needs in tiny amounts. It helps with bone growth, blood clotting, and metabolism. But too much manganese is toxic, especially to developing brains. Children's multivitamins often include manganese along with other minerals.

Kids' bodies are small, so what looks like a modest dose on the label can push them over safe limits. Many parents give vitamins daily without checking individual mineral amounts.

What the research says

A 2026 study in PLoS One tested children's multivitamin supplements sold in the US and found that many contained excessive manganese levels. Some brands had doses that could harm a child's developing brain with daily use.

Excess manganese accumulates in the brain and causes neurodevelopmental problems including attention deficits, reduced IQ, and motor skill delays. Children absorb more manganese from supplements than adults do, and they clear it from their bodies more slowly.

The study found that most kids already get enough manganese from food alone. Adding a supplement on top of that can easily tip the balance into the danger zone. Rice, oatmeal, nuts, and beans are all naturally rich in manganese.

Check your child's multivitamin label for manganese content. If it lists more than 1-2 mg per serving, that may be too much for a young child.