Manganese

Manganese (MN) is an essential trace mineral that plays and important part in normal brain functioning. It is useful in the treatment of many nervous system disorders including Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. Our understanding of manganese is still incomplete.

What are the functions of manganese?

Manganese is:

Necessary for the functioning of the brain.
An antioxidant.
Required for the metabolism of energy.
Involved in the metabolism of calcium.
Required to produce melanin and to synthesize fatty acids.
Helpful in producing urea.
Necessary for building proteins and nucleic acid.
Necessary for normal bone structure.
Involved in the formation of thyroxin in the thyroid gland.

What are the symptoms of a manganese deficiency?

Manganese deficiency symptoms include:

dermatitis,
problems metabolizing carbohydrates,
poor memory,
nervous irritability,
ataxia,
fatigue,
blood sugar problems,
some types of schizophrenia,
heavy menstrual periods,
lowered threshold for fits in epileptics,
fragile bones and
joint problems.

Food sources of manganese

The following foods are a good source of manganese: cereals, tea, green leafy vegetables, whole wheat breads, liver, vegetables and nuts.

Therapeutic uses

Manganese is used in the following conditions:

epilepsy,
Alzheimer's disease,
schizophrenia,
myasthenia gravis,
anemia,
diabetes,
heart disease,
atherosclerosis and
arthritis.

Dosage

Manganese is best taken as part of a good multivitamin and mineral supplement. Doses of 2 to 5 mg daily are considered adequate, but up to 10 mg is thought to be safe.

Special note

Toxicity is rare, but its symptoms may include: lethargy, involuntary movements, posture problems and eventually coma. Manganese is one of the least toxic trace mineral as it is readily excreted from the body.

References

Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates.

Davies, S. and A. Stewart., 1997, Nutritional Medicine. Pan.

Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication.

Pressman, A. and S. Buff, 2000, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. (2nd Ed.) Alpha Books.

Soothill, R. 1996, The Choice Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. A Choice Book Publication.

Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.