Manganese:
Manganese is an essential trace element and is necessary
for good health. Manganese can be found in several food
items, including grains and cereals, and is found in high
amounts in other foods, such as tea. Needed for normal
tendon and bone structure. Component of some enzymes
important in metabolism.
Manganese supplementation, in combination with calcium,
zinc and copper, showed some efficacy in postmenopausal
osteoporosis. Manganese ascorbate, in combination with
glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate, was
helpful in treating knee osteoarthritis pain in a recent
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.
Followup on these studies is needed. Similarly, there is an
isolated study needing followup that suggested some
possible benefit from manganese in alleviating some PMS
symptoms, including anxiety, depression, irritability and
mood swings.
Manganese is a trace element and eating a small amount
from food or water is needed to stay healthy. Exposure to
excess levels of manganese may occur from breathing air,
particularly where manganese is used in manufacturing,
and from drinking water and eating food. At high levels, it
can cause damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and the
developing fetus. This chemical has been found in at least
603 of 1,467 National Priorities List sites identified by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Manganese (Mn) is a component of several enzyme systems, including manganese-specific glycosyltransferases and
phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and is essential for normal bone structure. Intake varies greatly, depending
mainly on the consumption of rich sources, such as unrefined cereals, green leafy vegetables, and tea. The usual
intake of this mineral is 2 to 5 mg/day, and absorption is 5 to 10%.
Dietary manganese-deficiency in animals results in a wide variety of structural and physiological defects, including
growth retardation, skeletal and cartilage malformations, impaired reproductive function, congenital ataxia due to
abnormal inner ear development, optic nerve abnormalities, impaired insulin metabolism and abnormal glucose
tolerance, alterations in lipoprotein metabolism and an impaired oxidant defense system.
Manganese deficiency states have not been well documented in humans. There is one report of a man maintained for
four months on a manganese-deficient diet and also given magnesium-containing antacids. The symptoms which
occurred included a decrease in serum cholesterol, depressed growth of hair and nails, scaly dermatitis, weight loss,
reddening of his black hair and beard and impaired blood clotting. He responded to a diet containing manganese. In
another report, men fed a low-manganese diet manifested low serum cholesterol levels and dermatitis. Short-term
manganese supplementation did not reverse these symptoms.
Overdose: Generally results from inhalation of manganese containing dust or fumes, not dietary ingestion.
Manganese poisoning is usually limited to people who mine and refine ore; prolonged exposure causes neurologic
symptoms resembling parkinsonism or Wilson's disease.
