Manganese is a mineral crucial for bone formation, collagen formation , metabolism and a very crucial cofactor for an antioxidant preventing serious illnesses.
Manganese is the great co factor for antioxidant manganese superoxide dismutase. This enzyme protects cells from free radical damage. The antioxidant enzyme can prevent various organ diseases and cancers fighting against superoxide free radicals.
Other major role of manganese in human body includes
- Bone formation
- Carbohydrate &cholesterol metabolism
- Antioxidant defense
- Enzyme co factor in metabolic pathways.
- Collagen formation.
Manganese deficiency
Deficiency of the mineral manganese in human body is associated with poor growth& deterioration in bone health. Joint pain also develops mostly. The deficiency is not so common as the mineral reaches human body from our staple foods.
Manganese rich foods
- Nuts &seeds particularly pumpkin seeds &walnuts
- Legumes
- Spinach
- Seafoods- mussels &oysters
- Whole grains- quinoa, brown rice.
- Potatoes
- Pineapple
- Berries
What is manganism?
Manganese toxicity is known by the name manganism. This neuro toxicity may happen commonly in mining industries. Another probability of occurrence of manganism is for patients in total parenteral nutrition. Usually in chronically bed ridden or acutely ill patients if nutrients and drugs are given through intravenous route for a prolonged period of time it may cause manganism.
Manganese toxicity may cause hallucinations and tremor of hands. The manganese toxin affects basal ganglia of brain and cause tremors resembling Parkinson’s disease. There will be reduction in dopamine neurotransmitter in manganism.