NCP Miracle II
161 Richardson-Bass Rd
Kenly, NC 27542
Tel:(919)284-6002 Fax:(919)284-4197
EMail: info1@ncpmiracle2.com
Maganese Benefits and Side Effects
Manganese is a trace mineral, and as such, it is present in very small amounts in the body.
About 20 milligrams of manganese is found mostly in bones and metabolically active organs
like the liver, kidneys and pancreas.
The primary role of manganese is as a coenzyme in a variety of metabolic processes. It helps
the body produce energy from foods, and it is also involved in thyroid function and bone
formation. In addition, manganese is involved in immune system function, and it can help to
heal muscular strains and sprains.
Manganese also supports mineral transport and absorption, which keeps skin, bones and
cartilage healthy. Manganese is a popular supplement among athletes who eat high protein
diets.
Since excess protein can deplete the body of certain minerals, including manganese, many
athletes take mineral supplements that include manganese. Because athletes are prone to
muscular strains and sprains as well as inflammatory conditions, it is important for them to
ensure adequate intake of the mineral.
One important role of manganese as a coenzyme is to support the enzyme superoxide
dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant enzyme that functions to prevent inflammation and
other damage from free radicals that result from oxidative stress in the body. Manganese is
essential to the proper function of SOD, and manganese supplements may boost the
antioxidant activity of this important enzyme.
Research to determine other possible uses of manganese supplements has found that the
mineral may help to improve cognitive symptoms as well as reduce irritability and
nervousness. Manganese may also help people with diabetes, and it may reduce fatigue and
weakness in some people as well. People with epilepsy and arthritis may also benefit from
manganese supplements.
The daily requirement of manganese for adults is between 2 and 5 mg per day. Good food
sources include whole grains, dried fruit, and green leafy vegetables. Manganese is
present in a wide variety of other foods as well.
Since manganese requirements are relatively low and the mineral is widespread in foods,
manganese deficiency is almost nonexistent in humans. However, several factors affect
manganese absorption and may interfere with proper utilization of the mineral. For example,
iron and calcium inhibit manganese absorption, so people who use supplements of these
minerals may need to take extra manganese as well. Signs that more manganese may be
needed in the diet include skin problems, premature graying of hair, mental confusion, and
insufficient growth of nails and hair.
Manganese supplements are available as manganese sulfate or manganese chloride, as
well as chelated minerals, such as manganese picolinate or manganese gluconate. It is
generally thought that the chelated minerals are the easiest for the body to absorb.
Manganese supplements should be taken on an empty stomach and should not be
combined with iron, calcium, copper or zinc. Though manganese toxicity is rare, in some
cases, psychiatric symptoms, including dementia, have been associated with excessive
manganese intake.
Manganese toxicity is most likely to occur where the environment is contaminated with
manganese and not from dietary or supplement intake. For example, miners who work in
areas where large amounts of manganese dust are present have shown symptoms of brain
disease and other nervous system disorders.
Manganese is necessary for protein and fat metabolism, healthy nerves, and blood sugar
regulation. Manganese is also needed for healthy skin, bone, and cartilage formation, as
well as glucose tolerance. It also helps activate superoxide dismutase (SOD) -- an important
antioxidant enzyme.