Common Name: Manganese

Overview:

Although human tissue contains only small amounts of the metal manganese, it is believed to be an essential trace mineral. Manganese is an important component of many enzymes, especially the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Manganese is found primarily in the bones, liver, kidneys and pancreas. It plays an important role in the formation of connective tissue, bones, hormones, blood clotting factors as well as fat and carbohydrate metabolism. It also plays a role in calcium absorption and blood sugar regulation. Normal brain and nerve function also depend on manganese.

Manganese deficiency has been well documented in animals. Impaired growth, skeletal abnormalities, impaired glucose tolerance, altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as impaired reproduction were all demonstrated in animal manganese deficiency
Manganese deficiency has not been well studied in human nutrition. The symptoms of decreased serum cholesterol levels, slower than normal hair and nail growth, a skin rash, weight loss and impaired ability of the blood to clot were seen in a man taking large amounts of antacids while on a 4 month magnesium deficient diet. Another report of men fed a low manganese diet showed lower serum cholesterol and skin rash. In one instance of a child on long term parenteral nutrition that lacked manganese developed loss of minerals in the bones and impaired growth. When manganese was added to the diet these conditions were resolved.

Whole grains are a major source of dietary manganese. Because the American diet relies heavily on refined carbohydrates and processed foods, it is reported that 37% of the U.S. population is manganese deficient.

Benefits

Manganese has proven beneficial in:

1. Arthritis. Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis have low levels of MsSOD. This antioxidant protects joints from the damage casued by inflammation. In a recent randomized, double blind placebo controlled study, manganese in combination with glucosamine and chrondroitin sulfate was helpful in treating knee osteoarthritis.
2. Osteoporosis. Manganese along with other trace minerals are extremely important in bone health. Many experts believe that the appropriate balance and intake of manganese and these other trace minerals may play an important role in maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis.
3. Diabetes. People with diabetes have significantly lower manganese levels. It is not known however if this low manganese level is the cause or the effect of this condition. More studies are needed in this area to determine whether manganese supplements will help prevent or treat diabetes.
4. PMS (post menstrual syndrome). In one study, women who ate small amounts of manganese experience greater mood swings and cramping pain that women who ate sufficient amounts of manganese.
5. Epilepsy. It has been suggested in several studies that manganese levels are lower in people who have seizure disorders. As with diabetes, it it not known whether these lower than normal manganese levels are the cause of the seizures or the results of the seizures.
6. Several other disorders. Lower serum manganese levels have been associated with muscle disorders that involve lack of co ordination, in irregular menstrual cycles, ringing in the eye, as well as poor milk production in women who are breast feeding.

Dietary Sources

	Whole grains		Nuts
	Leafy vegetables		Tea
	Pineapples		Avocados
	Blueberries		Seaweed

Recommended Dosage:

Typical supplemental intake of manganese usually ranges from 2-5mg per day.
Total dietary intake of manganese should not exceed 11mgs per day. This is because of the risk of neurological side effects. Supplementation from non food source in children should only be undertaken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practioner.

Calcium, phosphorous and manganese work closely with each other. Because of this, the body’s requirement for manganese may increase as the consumption of calcium and phosphorous increases.

Contra-indications

1. People who are in liver failure should not take manganese supplements. It has been found that in end stage liver disease, manganese concentrates in nerve cells. This concentration of manganese can contribute to decreased mental abilities in those who are suffering from liver failure.
2. Under certain conditions manganese can be toxic. Mine workers who breathe in large amounts of manganese dust suffer from what is called “manganese madness. In later stages of this disease, symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease develop.
3. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid supplementing with manganese levels above 20.-5.0mg per day.

Drug interactions

1. Antacids that contain magnesium when taken with manganese may decrease the absorption of manganese.
2. Laxatives such as milk of magnesium that contain magnesium when taken with manganese may decrease the absorption of manganese.
3. Tetracycline when taken with manganese may decrease the absorption of manganese.
4. Calcium, iron and magnesium taken at the same time as magnesium may decrease the absorption of manganese.

Web References

1. http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21802
2. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/man_0171.shtml
3. http://www.umm.edu

Printed Reference Material

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3. Gong H, Amemiya T. Optic nerve changes in manganese-deficient rats. Exp Eye Res. 1999; 68:313-320.
4. Hussain S, Ali SF. Manganese scavenges superoxide and hydroxyl radicals: an in vitro study in rats. Neuroscience Letters. 1999; 261:21-24.
5. Keen CL, Ensunsa JL, Watson MH, et al. Nutritional aspects of manganese from experimental studies. Neurotoxicol. 1999; 20:213-223.
6. Komaki H, Maisawa S, Sugai K, Kobayashi Y, Hashimoto T. Tremor and seizures associated with chronic manganese intoxication. Brain Dev. 1999;21(2):122-124.
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8. Leffler CT, Philippi AF, Leffler SG, Mosure JC, Kim PD. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and manganese ascorbate for degenerative joint disease of the knee or low back: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Military Medicine. 1999:164(2):85-91.
9. Leonhartdt W, Hanefeld M, Muller G, et al. Impact of concentrations of glycated hemoglobin, alpha-tocopherol, copper, and manganese on oxidation of low-density lipoproteins in patients with type I diabetes, type II diabetes, and control subjects. Clin Chim Acta. 1996;254(2):173-186.
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16. Penland JG, Johnson PE. Dietary calcium and manganese effects on menstrual cycle symptoms. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;168(5):1417-1423.
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18. Strause L, Saltman P, Glowacki J. The effect of deficiencies of manganese and copper on osteo-induction and on resorption of bone particles in rats. Calcif Tissue Int. 1987; 41:145-150
19. Strause L, Saltman P, Smith KT, et al. Spinal bone loss in postmenopausal women supplemented with calcium and trace minerals. J Nutr. 1994; 124:1060-1064.
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21. Walter RM Jr, Uriu-Hare JY, Olin KL, Oster MH, Anawalt BD, Critchfield JW, Keen CL. Copper, zinc, manganese, and magnesium status and complications of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care. 1991;14(11):1050-1056.