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Manganese
Alexander G. Schauss, Ph.D
AIBR Life Sciences Division
Tacoma, WA
The word "manganese" comes from the Latin word, "magnes," meaning
magnet. For many years manganese fueled the industrial revolution because
it was found to increase the resistance of steel to impact. Railroad
tracks, for instance, contain 1.2 percent manganese.
Only recently has it been discovered that manganese is vital to human
health, hence it is considered by many an essential trace element.
Among many of its most important functions, manganese
Activates numerous enzymes
Helps in the utilization of thiamin
Helps in the utilization of vitamin E (tocopherol)
Assists in the utilization of iron
Increases the level of the antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD)
Too much manganese may cause problems. For example, excessive manganese
interferes with iron absorption (Excessive iron can also interfere with
manganese absorption). It is believed that taking a calcium supplement may
interfere with manganese absorption. For this reason, many health
practitioners recommend that if manganese supplements is needed, it be
taken at a time other than when a calcium supplement is taken.
Recent studies are suggesting that infants under 24 months of age should
not consume excessive amounts of manganese in the diet or via infant
formula, since it may increase the risk of interfering in the brain's
chemistry, leading to negative behavioral effects.
Yet manganese is vitally important to our health. Insufficient manganese
concentrations in the tissue and cells of the body can lead to a variety
of problems, including:
Heart disease
Dermatitis
Lower levels of the good cholesterol fraction, HDL-cholesterol
Accelerated bone loss
Reduced fertility
Retarded growth in children
Low blood sugar
Middle ear problems, including difficulty maintaining balance
Unrefined whole grains and cereal products are the richest dietary
sources of manganese.
Unfortunately, the refinement of grains has lead to widespread
inadequacies in the daily intake of manganese from our diet. Fruits and
vegetables to a more limited degree can provide manganese in the diet.
Black teas are a rich source of manganese, especially for populations not
consuming enough unrefined grains as cereal products.
There is no current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for manganese for
healthy individuals consuming a mixed North American diet. The provisional
recommended daily dietary intake is:
| Children |
0.6 mg. |
| Males (11-18) |
1.0 mg. |
| Males (adults) |
1.0 mg. |
| Females |
1.0 mg. |
| Pregnant |
unknown |
| Lactating (1st 6 mos.) |
unknown |
Manganese References
1. Shils, M.E. and Young, V.R. Modern Nutrition in Health and
Disease, 7th Edition. Lea &
Febiger: Philadelphia, 1988.
2. Schauss, A.G. Minerals, Trace Elements and Human Health. Life
Sciences Press: Tacoma, (WA), 1996.
3. Recommended Dietary Allowances, 10th Edition. National
Research Council. National Academy Press: Washington, D.C. 1989.
Mineral
Resources International
phone: (801) 731-7040
toll free: (800) 731-7866
e-mail:
info@mineralresourcesint.com
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