Manganese

What is it?

Manganese is a trace mineral needed for formation of bone and joint tissue; production of the antioxant SOD; immune function; nervous and reproductive systems; stimulation of glycogen production.

Table of Contents

Function	How it helps
Connective tissue health	Manganese facilitates the synthesis of both collagen and mucopolysaccharides, the two primary structural components of all connective tissue. Manganese is also involved in the proper development of the hard structures of the inner ear that are responsible for maintaining balance/equilibrium.
Antioxidant	Manganese is an essential mineral component of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD is an antioxidant which prevent free radical damage to tissues.
Joint health	Manganese plays a significant role in joint integrity, including within the vertebral discs, due to its involvement in cartilage and bone growth and stability.
Gluose metabolism	Manganese is a component of various enzymes that catalyse the metabolism and utilisation of glucose, critical in the maintenance of blood sugar control.

What is it used for?
Arthritis	Sprains & Strains	RSI
Tendonitis	Diabetes	Epilepsy

Best food sources
Meat	Nuts & seeds	Legumes
Pineapple	Raspberries	Barley
Whole wheat	Oats	Spinach
Beans	Rye	Avocado

Deficiency Symptoms
Birth defects	Impaired growth	Deafness
Lack of coordination	Poor balance	Bone abnormalities
Premature greying of hair	Joint disorders	Diabetes

Supplementation dosage range

2-5mg per day

Other information

Manganese is usually taken in combination with other bone nutrients, calcium, magnesium, zinc and boron. It is often used to treat minor wounds and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Cautions

Although standard doses of manganese found in supplements are unlikely to cause side effects or toxicity, very high levels of exposure (usually from environmental or occupational exposure) can lead to many symptoms of manganese toxicity, such as symptoms resembling Parkinson’s Disease and Wilson’s Disease, irritability, depression, insomnia, hallucinations, delusions, violent acts, defects in motor function, loss of appetite, impotence, weakness, difficult breathing and leg cramps.
Patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease or Wilson’s Disease should only take manganese on the advice and under the strict monitoring of a doctor.
High intakes of manganese may interfere with the absorption of iron, zinc and copper. If suffering with iron-deficiency anaemia, it is advisable to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking a manganese supplement.

Factors which deplete levels, impair absorption and/or inhibit activity:
Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc at very high intake levels	Antacids
Phosphates	Oral contraceptives

Lois

I’m passionate about healthy living and sharing my message with as many people as possible. It was this passion that drove me to start the Health and Wellbeing News.

I believe that good health in body, mind and spirit is vital if we are to achieve our highest potential as human beings. Health and Wellbeing News brings together all that I’ve learned in the past 20 years and draws upon the knowledge of renowned experts from all round the world, to help you become the healthiest and happiest version of you.

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