Manganese deficiency (medicine)

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Manganese is a vital element of nutrition in very small quantities (adult male daily intake 2.3 milligrams). However, in greater amounts Manganese, like most metals, is poisonous when eaten or inhaled.

[edit] The Drug

Manganese is a component of some enzymes and stimulates the development and activity of other enzymes. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the principal antioxidant in mitochondria. Several enzymes activated by manganese contribute to the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol.^[1]

A deficiency in manganese causes skeletal deformation in animals and inhibits the production of collagen in wound healing.^[2]

Relatively high dietary intake of other minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium may inhibit the proper intake of manganese.^[3]

Manganese is found in leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains. The nutritious kernel (wheat germ) of most processed grains (white bread), which contains the most minerals and vitamins of the grain, has been removed because it is dark and "impure". The wheat germ is sold as livestock feed.

Many common vitamin and mineral supplement products fail to include manganese in their compositions.

[edit] Health

Many nutritionists attribute joint pain, inflammation, arthritis, bursitis, dermatitis, and many diseases including Parkinson's disease, osteoporosis, schizophrenia, diabetes, and epilepsy to manganese deficiency.^[4]

[edit] References

1. ^ Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Manganese. Dietary reference intakes for vitamin A, vitamin K, boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, vanadium, and zinc. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press; 2001:394-419. (National Academy Press)
2. ^ Keen CL, Zidenberg-Cherr S. Manganese. In: Ziegler EE, Filer LJ, eds. Present Knowledge in Nutrition. 7th ed. Washington D.C.: ILSI Press; 1996:334-343.
3. ^ Kies C. Bioavailability of manganese. In: Klimis-Tavantzis DL, ed. Manganese in health and disease. Boca Raton: CRC Press, Inc; 1994:39-58.
4. ^ http://www.alkenmrs.com/vitamins/manganese-mineral.html