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Sometimes called a "cell protector", the name manganese comes from the Greek word for magic, because it was thought to have magical properties. Manganese is a metal that occurs widely in plant and animal tissues; it is called a trace element because it is only found in very small quantities in the human body. Our bodies store approximately 20mg of manganese, mostly in the bones. Manganese is also required for proper bone and cartilage formation and some reports have shown that women with osteoporosis tend to have low blood manganese levels. Deficiency is associated with atherosclerosis (fibrous, fatty plaques on the artery walls), and hypercholesterolemia (high levels of fat in the blood). Manganese can be found in arthritis, osteoporosis and antioxidant formulations; among others.
Function Manganese is necessary for bone growth, reproduction, skin, ligament formation, blood clotting, wound healing, peak brain function and the proper metabolism of cholesterol, sugars and insulin. It is also an enzyme activator and is said to help in the utilization of vitamin B1. Although many people consume less than this, obvious deficiencies are uncommon. Manganese is poorly absorbed orally and so should be given long term and/or by injection when indicated. While only 5mg is needed per day, the patient may need as much as 300mg of manganese in the gluconate form to attain the normal blood level of 15ppb. |