Pharma gyan Pandit

Manganese

Manganese is a micronutrient that is a component of several enzyme complexes and helps in various metabolic functions. It is required for the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol, and in the formation of bones, connective tissues, sex hormones and clotting factors. It also helps to maintain normal brain function and blood sugar levels. It facilitates calcium absorption and wound healing. It also has an antioxidant function.

Manganese is a trace mineral that is present in tiny amounts in the body. It is found mostly in bones, the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Manganese helps the body form connective tissue, bones, blood clotting factors, and sex hormones. It also plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation. Manganese is also necessary for normal brain and nerve function.

Manganese is a component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), which helps fight free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally in the body but can damage cell membranes and DNA. They may play a role in aging, as well as the development of a number of health conditions, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants, such as SOD, can help neutralize free radicals and reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

Low levels of manganese in the body can contribute to infertility, bone malformation, weakness, and seizures. It is fairly easy to get enough manganese in your diet -- this nutrient is found in whole grains, nuts, and seeds -- but some experts estimate that as many as 37% of Americans do not get the recommended dietary intake (RDI) of manganese in their diet. The American diet tends to contain more refined grains than whole grains, and refined grains only provide half the amount of manganese as whole grains.

food rich in manganese:

Pecan nuts, Brown rice, cooked, Spinach, cooked, Raisin bran cereal, Green tea, Oatmeal cereal, Whole wheat bread, Pineapple

Deficiency Symptoms:

Impaired growth, Impaired reproductive function, Impaired glucose tolerance, Skeletal abnormalities, Altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Diagnosis:

manganese defieciency can be detected by testing the blood or serum. The analysis is carried out using an automated equipment such as an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. 

Treatment:

Treatment relies upon oral multivitamin / mineral supplementation.