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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,.
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