Manganese is one of those elements commonly referred to as
"trace" minerals within the human body, because they're
found and required only in relatively tiny quantities. But
that description should not be taken as reducing the
importance of manganese in any way. Indeed the very name
is derived from the Ancient Greek word for magic;
evidencing the special powers which they attributed to it.
Modern science is probably too cautious to go as far as
that, but there's no doubt that manganese has a number of
vital functions within the body.
Manganese is an essential element in the production of a
number of vital enzymes. Perhaps particularly important
amongst these is superoxide dismutase, an anti-oxidant
enzyme which has a crucial role in protecting the
mitochondria of every cell in the body from the oxidative
free radical damage which can lead to DNA damage,
premature ageing and even, eventually, degenerative
disease. Manganese dependent enzymes are also essential
for the effective metabolism of protein and carbohydrates
from the diet, as well as cholesterol.
In addition to helping maintain normal cholesterol levels,
it has also been noted that cardiac patients tend to have
depleted levels of manganese in the heart muscle, and there
is research evidence to suggest that manganese may also
help protect against arterial damage.
Manganese is also regarded as important for bone and joint
health. Some commercial preparations containing
glucosamine, a popular supplement marketed as an aid to
joint flexibility and for reducing the pain of
osteo-arthritis, also contain significant quantities of a
manganese compound, and there's evidence that manganese,
like glucosamine, has a significant effect in helping the
repair of joint cartilage. Low blood levels and
deficiencies of manganese have also been associated with an
increased incidence of osteoporosis, ie brittle bones; and
wound healing depends on prolidase, another manganese
activated enzyme.
Although orthodox medicine remains reluctant to accept the
link, there is evidence that low levels of manganese are
associated with the glucose intolerance characteristic of
diabetes, and, coincidentally or not, it has also been
noted that many so-called "natural" nutritional therapies
for the disease are often based on manganese rich herbs.
No one is claiming that manganese supplements may act as an
alternative treatment for diabetes, but many practitioners
maintain that when taken together with a manganese rich
diet, they may well assist sufferers to manage their blood
sugar levels. Finally, a number of research reports
have confirmed an associative, but not necessarily causal,
relationship between low manganese levels and brain
(epileptic) seizures in both humans and other animals.
Whilst it is generally recognised that more research is
required, it seems reasonable to suggest that ensuring good
levels of manganese in the body may have some protective
effect. The US Food and Nutrition Board has recommended
an upper safe limit for manganese intake of 11 mg a day for
adults, and there are potential concerns about manganese
toxicity. These appear to arise, however, from the direct
inhalation of manganese dust and the consumption of
manganese contaminated water or heavily polluted air,
rather than from diet or supplements.
These external pollutants apart, there is much more likely
to be a deficiency of manganese than an excess. Whole
grains, leafy green vegetables, certain fruits and green or
black tea are reasonably good sources, but many modern
Western diets may still struggle to provide even the minute
amounts required. As usual, the stripping of nutrients
from the soil along with our increased dietary reliance on
heavily refined grains are the main culprits. But in the
case of manganese this problem is compounded by its
negative interaction with other essential minerals needed
by the body in larger quantities. It appears, for example,
that the absorption of manganese from food decreases in
proportion with the amount of iron contained in that food,
and the amount of iron stored in the body.
Blood levels of both manganese and the important
anti-oxidant, superoxide dismutase have been found to be
reduced in individuals following a program of iron
supplementation, and similar results have been found in
people supplementing with magnesium, as is very commonly
recommended in the interests of cardiac and cardiovascular
health.
Relatively high doses of calcium supplements have also been
found to reduce the absorption of manganese and perhaps
also increase its rate of excretion from the body. But none
of the above effects should be taken as reasons not to
supplement with these other minerals should such a program
be regarded as potentially beneficial. They are, however,
yet more evidence of the holistic operation of the body's
systems and the mutual interdependence of all the many
nutrients on which these rely.
Thankfully, though, the answer to the problem is simple
enough. It is to ensure that no supplements of minerals,
or for that matter vitamins, are ever taken in isolation,
but only in the form of comprehensive multi-vitamin and
multi-mineral supplements. And of course, these should
always be regarded as being in addition to a nutritionally
well balanced diet rather than a replacement for it. Such
a multi-mineral supplement should provide more than
sufficient manganese but it is also worth noting that good
intakes of both vitamin C and zinc, in particular, appear
significantly to improve manganese absorption.
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Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in
direct marketing and with a particular interest in health
products. Find out more at
http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/In
formation.htm
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