Manganese is an important mineral nutrient for human health, being absolutely necessary for development, metabolism, and the antioxidant system. The average adult contains 10 to 12 mg total-body manganese (Mn).
In a human body Manganese is primarily concentrated in tissues requiring high energy including brain, and also found in liver, pancreas and kidney.
Manganese is a cofactor for enzymes involved in metabolism of amino acids, lipids and carbohydrates. Manganese-dependent enzyme families include oxidor eductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases and ligases. Examples of manganese-containing enzymes are arginase, glutamine synthase and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (referred to as SOD2 or MnSOD).
Contents
- Physiological Function of Mineral Nutrient Manganese
- Causes of Deficiency of Mineral Nutrient Manganese
- Health concerns due to Manganese deficiency
- Assessment of Manganese Mineral Status
- Supplementation of Manganese
- Best or most Bio-Available or Active form of Manganese Supplement
- Dietary sources of Manganese
Physiological Function of Mineral Nutrient Manganese
Physiological function of Mineral nutrient Manganese are:
- Supports immune function
- Regulation of blood sugar
- Cellular energy reproduction
- Supports digestion
- Supports bone growth
- Protects from oxidative challenge
- In combination with vitamin K supports blood clotting and hemostasis.
Causes of Deficiency of Mineral Nutrient Manganese
Manganese is readily available in our food sources such as whole grains, nuts, and seeds. However Manganese deficiency is becoming common nowadays due to increasing consumption processed foods such as pasta, pizza etc. which do not carry sufficient amount of Manganese. Manganese deficiency could result due to
- Decreased Intake of food rich in Magnesium
- Increase intake of processed grains
- Malabsorption in the GI
Health concerns due to Manganese deficiency
Manganese deficiency in human body mar contribute towards infertility, bone malformation, Hypercholesterolemia, weight loss, weakness, and seizures.
Assessment of Manganese Mineral Status
RBC Manganese, BUN, Urinary ammonia markers, Arginine/omithine ratio
Supplementation of Manganese
Chilldren 2-12 years: 1-10mg
Adult male: 5-13mg
Adult female: 5-13mg
Best or most Bio-Available or Active form of Manganese Supplement
Sulfate, lactate, succinate, gluconate and citrate salts
Dietary sources of Manganese
Manganese is a mineral that is found in several foods including nuts, legumes, seeds, tea, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables.
