Hypoallergenic Dietary Supplement Manganese is an essential component of carbohydrate metabolism, reproductive function, and skeletal and cartilage development. It concentrates in mitochondrial tissue and in the bone, liver, pancreas, and kidney. Manganese is a critical element in the two metalloenzymes pyruvate decarboxylase and superoxide dismutase, both of which are involved in energy production and immune function. Manganese activates various enzymes that facilitate the synthesis of protein and DNA in the production of mucopolysaccharides found in cartilage. Manganese is an essential cofactor for superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that can protect cell membranes from lipid peroxidation and other harmful processes; therefore, a manganese deficiency can result in a deficiency of SOD.