Description:
Manganese is found in trace amounts, but is never the less an important
mineral. It provides for proper protein and fat metabolism, healthy
nerves, a strong immune system, and proper blood sugar regulation.
Manganese is used for energy production, and is required for normal
bone growth and for reproduction. Manganese is also important for
bone and cartilage formation. Vitamin B-2 (thiamine) needs manganese
in order to be utilized properly by the body. A manganese deficiency
may lead to atherosclerosis, confusion, convulsions, eye problems,
hearing problems, heart disorders, elevated blood cholesterol, memory
loss, muscle contractions, profuse perspiration, rapid pulse, and
tremors.
Complimentary Nutrients:
None.
Antagonists:
Excessive intake of calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Health Benefits:
Reproduction and growth, sex hormone production, brain, mammary
glands, enzyme activation, tissue respiration, vitamin B1 metabolism,
vitamin E utilization, muscles, nerves, and fat and carbohydrate
metabolism.
Therapeutic Uses:
Fatigue, diabetes, allergies, asthma.
Vitamin Therapies should be done with the supervision of a qualified
health care professional. In the panel on the left, under ailments
you can find more information about treatments for some of these
conditions. You can also locate therapeutic information on this
site by using the search engine - click on 'Search' in the panel
on your left - and entering words relating to the ailment you are
interested in.
Deficiency Indicators:
Dizziness, ear noises, muscle coordination failure - ataxia, and
loss of hearing.
Dosage:
| RDA |
Optimal Health |
Therapeutic Amounts |
| Not established. |
10 mg |
20 mg |
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) are dosages developed by the
FDA. These amounts are designed to prevent deficiency symptoms.
For optimal health it is necessary to take a larger dose. The optimal
health amounts are for adults and children weighing over 100 lbs.
Children under the age of six should be given nutritional formulas
designed specifically for young children. The therapeutic amounts
to treat special conditions are usually much higher, and should
not be taken without the supervision of a qualified health care
professional.
Sources:
The best sources of manganese are: avocado, bananas, bran, celery,
cereals, legumes, blueberries, eggs, green leafy vegetables, nuts,
seeds, whole grains, liver, and pineapples.
