Manganese
What Is It?
Manganese ( from the Latin word ‘magnes’) Was recognised by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1771 and isolated by Johan Gottlieb Gahn in 1774. Manganese is a trace mineral that works with many enzymes in the body. We only need very tiny amounts of this mineral. The body cannot make manganese so we must obtain it from our food.
Manganese activates the enzymes responsible for the utilisation of biotin, B1, C and choline. It works as an antioxidant, especially important in protecting the mitochondria, the energy producing organelles in the cell. It is also essential in the formation of collagen.
Manganese is one of three trace minerals that can be toxic when taken in large amounts. Consuming a large intake of calcium and phosphorus will inhibit absorption of this mineral.
Why Do We Need It?
We need manganese for normal bone function and strength, it is used in the formation of cartilage and synovial fluid of joints, and can help reverse osteoporosis. Can help maintain normal blood sugar levels, so aids in the prevention of diabetes. Beneficial for wound healing, growth impairment, and production of the thyroid hormone thyroxine so promotes optimal function of the thyroid gland, as well as protecting cells from free radical damage.
Manganese can also help the body synthesise cholesterol. It is necessary for proper digestion and utilisation of food, helps eliminate fatigue and improves memory.
Manganese is thought to participate in the production of sex hormones and maintenance of the reproductive system, promoting both male and female fertility. It is also important for production of breast milk.
Deficiency Symptoms
Deficiency, although rare, can lead to atherosclerosis, confusion, convulsions, eye and hearing problems, irritability, bad memory, pancreatic damage, excessive sweating, racing pulse, tooth grinding, breast ailments and glucose intolerance.
Deficiency can also be associated with heavy bleeding during menstruation, low bone density, low cholesterol levels, nausea, ovarian/testicular degeneration, skin rash and weight loss.
Where Can We Find It?
Apple, avocado, beetroot, black pepper, blueberries, broccoli, carrot, cauliflower, cinnamon, collard greens, crimini mushrooms, dulse, flaxseeds, garlic, grapes, green beans, kale, oranges, peas, pineapple, raspberries, romaine lettuce, seaweed, spinach, swiss chard, squash, strawberries, sunflower seeds and turmeric.
Herbs that contain manganese include: alfalfa, catnip, chamomile, chickweed, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginseng, lemongrass, parsley, peppermint.
Be-Aware:
Taking excessive amounts of manganese supplementation can lead to Parkinson’s disease.
Taking excessive supplements whilst suffering with liver problems can also lead to psychosis, and mental disorders due to the liver not being able to dispose of the excess.
If suffering anaemia, your body will attempt to absorb as much manganese as possible which, can become problematic if absorbing too much.
Manganese can inhibit iron absorption, as can foods high in oxalic acid like cabbage and spinach.
Correct formation of bile in the liver and circulation throughout the body are required for manganese transportation, so if you are suffering chronic liver or gallbladder disorders you may need more dietary manganese.
Research
Clinical research has shown that supplementation may be beneficial in: epilepsy and
immunodepression.
A cross-sectional study included 362 children 6 -13 years of age living in communities supplied by groundwater, this study was carried out to measure the Intellectual Impairment in School-Age Children Exposed to Manganese from Drinking Water. The conclusion suggested that exposure to manganese at levels common in groundwater is associated with intellectual impairment in children.
Another study found that manganese deficiency in animals is associated with impaired growth, reproductive function and glucose tolerance as well as changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It also interferes with skeletal development.
A further study included 3996 participants 20 years of age or older whose blood manganese levels had been measured. The participants were also evaluated for the presence of five chronic diseases: diabetes, renal dysfunction, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and stroke.
The prevalence of diabetes and renal dysfunction increased in participants with low blood manganese levels, suggesting that blood manganese may play a role in glucose homeostasis and renal function.
References
Nutritional Influences on Illness - Melvyn R, Werbach, M.D.
The Worlds Healthiest Foods - George Mateljan
Vitamins & Minerals DeMystified - Dr Steve Blake
Nutritional Healing - Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
Nutrients A-Z - Dr Michael Sharon
The Vitamin Bible - Earl Mindell
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.nrv.gov.au
www.biomedcentral.com
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.