MANGANESE
Facts
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Manganese is a trace mineral that is concentrated mainly in the bone, liver, pancreas and brain.
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On average, most people excrete about 4 mg. of manganese each day.1
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Dietary sources of manganese include whole grain cereals, eggs, nuts, seeds and green vegetables. The majority of manganese is lost in the processing and milling process of foods and, in the case of vegetables, manganese content varies depending on the amount contained in the soil.
Functions
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Manganese is a component of several enzymes and therefore acts as a catalyst in the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids and plays a role in protein, fat and carbohydrate production.1
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It also activates a number of other enzymes including formation of cartilage in the bone and skin.2
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Manganese is important for the production of milk, formation or urea, part of the urine. It also maintains sex-hormone production, nourishes the nerves and brain and is essential for the formation of thyroxine, an important component of the thyroid gland.
Requirements
No Recommended Daily Allowance has been set for Manganese.
Signs of Deficiency
Symptoms include: dizziness, ear noises, loss of hearing, impaired glucose tolerance, cholesterol metabolism, atherosclerosis, and ataxia (failure of muscle coordination).1
Signs of Toxicity
According to the American Society for Nutritional Sciences, "There is no evidence of toxicity occurring from ingestion of typical diets."2 Toxicity has occurred from industrial exposure, i.e. miners inhaling manganese dust and drinking contaminated well-water. Symptoms include: weakness and psychological and motor difficulties.1
Current Research
General
Lower manganese levels have been noted in patients with osteoporosis, non-trauma epilepsy and Perthes' disease. In addition, low levels of manganese lower the levels of Mn-superoxide dismutase, which prevents against tissue damage caused by the oxidation of fat. This, in turn, may increase one's risk for colon cancer. Manganese has been shown to be helpful in treating diabetes.
Schizophrenia
Many schizophrenics have high levels of copper in the body. Manganese, as well as zinc, has been shown to be effective in excreting copper from the body.1
1.Dunne, L.J. Nutrition Almanac, 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, 1990:80-81
2 Freeland-Graves J., Johnson P. Manganese. http:www.nutrition.org/nutinfo/content/mang.shtml.
3 Schauss, A. Minerals and human health: the rationale for optimal and balanced trace element levels. LifeSciences Press, 1995: pp.14-15.