Manganese gluconate is a manganese salt of gluconic acid. Manganese gluconate is sometimes used as a food additive for its texture and light pink coloring. As a food additive, manganese gluconate increases satiety, and the texture of processed foods related to mouth feel. However, in recent years, manganese gluconate has been used less and less as a food additive due to its high toxicity. Many food manufacturers have abandoned using manganese gluconate in favor of other chemical compounds that provide similar effects with a lower toxicity. According to the Food and Drug Administration, manganese gluconate is generally recognized as safe, or GRAS. However, high amounts of manganese gluconate intake, upwards of 15 mg per day, may cause potentially serious health risks. Manganese gluconate toxicity may cause a chemical imbalance in the brain, increasing your risk of developing anxiety, depression, nervousness, psychosis, and mania. Manganese gluconate is used for prevention of deficiency and osteoporosis (off-label).