1) Manganese is a component of many enzymes and an activator of others.
2) As an antioxidant manganese is vital to the mitochondria that consume 90% of the oxygen used by the cells of the human body.
3) Manganese is featured in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol.
4) A crucial role is played by manganese in the production of glucose.
5) The liver requires manganese for the urea cycle.
6) Manganese is involved in the formation of healthy bones and cartilage.
7) The healing of wounds is enhanced by the presence of manganese.
8) Manganese is thought to be absorbed by the human body in a manner similar to iron.
9) Men absorb less manganese than women, probably because they tend to have higher levels of iron in their bodies.
10) A deficiency of manganese early in life may result in a reduced rate of growth.
Several diseases have been linked to a deficiency of manganese. For example, women with osteoporosis have been found to have low levels of manganese. In some animals a shortage of manganese causes glucose intolerance in a similar manner to what is found in humans. For people, however, manganese deficiency has not been found to cause diabetes.
Rats with low levels of manganese have been found to be more prone to seizures than rats that have normal levels of manganese. Here again, manganese deficiency has not been found to cause seizures in humans, but it does appear to warrant further examination.
Manganese toxicity can be a serious problem, especially for people who inhale manganese dust. In this case, instead of being metabolized in the liver, as manganese taken orally is, it is transported by the blood directly to the brain. A severe case of manganese toxicity may manifest itself in disorders whose symptoms are similar to Parkinson’s disease. These signals of manganese toxicity can include facial spasms and difficulty walking. Psychiatric symptoms may also present themselves, such as irritability and possibly hallucinations.
Recommended intake of manganese for adults is 11 mg per day. Good sources of manganese include raw pineapple, pecans, almonds, oatmeal, cereals with manganese supplements, and brown rice.
Copyright © Dennis Becker, 2004.
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