Manganese

Description

Manganese is derived mainly from vegetable matter for the essential processes of growth and reproduction.

Functions

Manganese is an important trace mineral whose functions include:

The development and maintenance of healthy bones.
The synthesis of mucopoly-saccharides that surround and protect cells and lubricate joints.
Sex hormones synthesis.
Nerve development and function.
Stimulation of glycogen formation in the liver.
Activation of natural killer cells.
Manganese is also a component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (S.O.D.).

Deficiency

Deficiency of manganese has only been observed in experimental studies, and U.K. diets are therefore thought to be rich enough in this mineral at least to prevent acute deficiency symptoms.

Requirements

Upper safe level for daily supplementation = 15mg

There is no EC Recommended Daily Allowance for Manganese.

Average daily dietary intakes in Britain are estimated at 4.6mg.

Supplemental Uses

The use of manganese as a therapy is not common as it is not generally acknowledged that manganese deficiency can arise under normal conditions. Nevertheless, it may benefit people with joint or bone problems by suppressing the inflammatory process (1).

Manganese may be used for diseases in which a stimulation of natural killer cells and similar immune responses are required. Manganese exerts its effects by a mechanism dependant upon the adhesion of leucocytes (white blood cells) to antigens (2).

Safety

Manganese is one of the safest of all Elementss, because when excess is consumed, absorption is very low, and that which is absorbed is excreted efficiently via the bile and kidneys. Toxicity of manganese has only been noted in miners exposed to manganese ores and continually absorbing dust through the lungs.

Interactions and Contra-Indications

There is no known drug interactions or contra-indications for manganese.

Food Sources

Food (mg/100g)
Bread, wholemeal 4.3
Wheatgerm 4.2
Avocados 3.7
Chestnuts 3.7
Hazelnuts 3.5
Peas 2.0
Almonds 1.9
Tea (1 cup) 1.5
Coconut 1.3
Pineapple 1.1
Plums 1.0
Lettuce 0.7
Bananas 0.6
Beetroot 0.6
Watercress 0.5
Carrots 0.25

Tea is estimated to supply half the amount of manganese in the British diet. Otherwise, whole grains, nuts and avocados are rich sources, with other fruits and vegetables containing moderate amounts. The milling of grains removes 73% of manganese.

References

1. Dowling EJ. Assessment of a human recombinant manganese superoxide dismutase in models of Inflammation. Free Radic Res Commun, 18;5:291-298, 1993.
2. Jackson AM et al. Control of leucocyte function-associated antigen-1-dependent cellular conjugation by divalent cations. Immunology, 81;1:120-126, 1994,.