|
|
| Proper name |
Manganese (MN) |
| Category |
Trace
mineral |
| Functions |
Manganese is required to form collagen, glycoproteins, mucopolysaccharides,
and lipopolysaccharides. Normal joint function and connective tissue strength
is dependent on adequate manganese. Manganese is essential to the activity
of osteoclasts and osteoblasts (bone cells) and is thus required for normal
bone development. Manganese is involved with Vitamin K in the manufacture
of prothrombin, thus facilitating blood clotting. Mitochondrial superoxide
dismutase is dependent on manganese. This powerful anti-oxidant protects
against free radical damage due to singlet oxygen to the energy producing
organelle of the cells. Manganese is required to synthesize thyroxine.
Manganese is involved in the synthesis of dopamine, melanin and fatty
acids. |
| RDA |
2 to 5 mg per day for adults. |
| Therapeutic
dose |
20 mg per day. |
| Deficiency symptoms |
Weak ligaments, frequent sprain/strain injuries, loss of muscular coordination
may be due to low manganese. Low levels of manganese are associated with
epilepsy, hypoglycemia, schizophrenia, osteoporosis, impaired glucose metabolism
and abnormal insulin secretion. Abnormally low cholesterol levels may
be due to manganese deficiency. |
| Toxicity |
Manganese is relatively safe. Large doses may be tolerated orally with no
ill effect. Industrial exposure to inhaled manganese dust can produce a
neurologic disorder resembling Parkinson's disease plus dementia, schizophrenia
and other psychiatric disorders. |
| Best
forms
|
Not known |
| Food
sources |
Plant sources have the more manganese than animal products. The best food
sources are whole grains, nuts, dried beans and peas, vegetables, raisins
and pineapple. |
| Lab
tests |
Hair trace mineral analysis |
| Drug
interactions |
None
noted |
| Nutrient interactions |
Many functions of manganese can be replaced with magnesium. |
| Metabolism |
Manganese is absorbed
along the entire small intestine. Absorption is competitive with calcium,
phosphate, iron and phytate. The total average amount of manganese stored
in the body is about 20 mg. Most manganese is stored in the bones, though
some is concentrated in the pituitary, liver, pancreas and intestinal
mucosa.
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