Manganese

Manganese is one of the least studied and understood of all nutrients. Nonetheless, its role in human nutrition is highly significant, as demonstrated by the crippling disease, a form of joint degeneration, that results from experimentally induced manganese deficiency. As with other trace elements, manganese’s primary role is that it is an enzyme activator. Dozens of enzymes, each with its own unique function, are dependent upon manganese for optimal activity. For instance, the enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis are manganese dependent, as are those involved in the synthesis of cartilage and bone. Regarding the latter, the mucopolysaccharides, substances necessary for the formation of strong connective tissues, cannot be produced in the event of manganese deficiency.

Perhaps the most thoroughly documented and characteristic result of mild manganese deficiency is a specific syndrome of the joints known as slipped tendon disease or perosis. This is the result of a lack of skeletal maturation, leading to a slipping of the tendons off the joint and causing the characteristic “clicking” noise. These abnormalities are usually reversed by supplementing the diet with chelated manganese and manganese-rich foods.

Manganese is poorly absorbed from dietary sources. As much as 98% of ingested manganese is lost in the feces. supplemental sources often fail to correct this, although chelated manganese products offer the best potential for absorption.

Which of these apply to you?

1. creaking and/or clicking of the joints

2. bone pain

3. arthritis and/or joint pain

4. infertility

5. thinning of the bones

6. brittle bones

7. increased susceptibility to infections

8. chronic knee, hip, and/or ankle pain

9. joints which are easily injured

10. Are you a vegetarian

11. do you consume large amounts of bran, particularly wheat bran?

12. do you have short stature (height under 5 feet) and/or growth impairment?

13. Are you a diabetic, and/or have you been diagnosed with an elevated blood sugar level?

14. Have you been diagnosed with hypoglycemia by blood testing (abnormal glucose tolerance test)?

15. Do you have a history of hepatitis and/or cirrhosis of the liver?

16. Do you consume sugar, pop, or candy on a daily or weekly basis?

17. Do you have low or high cholesterol?

18. do you have a tendency to frequently sprain or injure your joints?

19. Do you have gout?

20. Are you obese?

21. Do you have a fracture or severe structural injury which has failed to heal?

22. Do you suffer from a blood clotting abnormality?

23. Have you had a portion of your small intestine removed?

24. Do you have low levels of blood proteins, i.e. reduced globulin or albumin?

Your Score ______

1 to 4 points Mild manganese deficiency: Take 2 mg of chelated manganese and/or a multiple vitamin/mineral containing manganese on a daily basis.

5 to 12 points Moderate manganese deficiency: Take 3 mg of chelated manganese morning and night and increase the consumption of manganese rich foods. Avoid consuming the bran’s of grains; they contain phytates, which bind to manganese and prevent its absorption. Take 3 heaping tablespoons of rice polishings daily.

13 and above Severe manganese deficiency: Take 3 mg of manganese three times daily (a total of 9 mg). To help enhance absorption. Take 3 heaping tablespoons of rice polishings daily.

13 and above Severe manganese deficiency: Take 3 mg of manganese three times daily (a total of 9 mg). To help enhance absorption, take 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with each dosage. Increase the consumption of manganese rich foods such as legumes, fresh meats, spices, blueberries, brown rice, and nuts. Avoid dietary sources of phytates (e.g. whole wheat, corn bran, and oat bran). Take 4 heaping tablespoons of rice polishings twice daily.