Manganese

What is Manganese?

Manganese is an essential trace mineral required by the human body in small amounts. It plays a critical role in numerous enzymatic reactions, particularly those involved in metabolism, bone formation, and antioxidant defence. Manganese is naturally present in a variety of plant-based foods and is also available in the form of supplements.

Health Benefits:

Antioxidant Action

Manganese is a component for manganese superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme that is mainly responsible for scavenging reactive oxygen species involved in mitochondrial oxidative stress. Mitochondrial oxidative stress is associated with cellular damage and the development various diseases including metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.

Supports Bone Health

Manganese can provide powerful bone health support due to its involvement in bone formation and metabolism. Deficiencies in manganese are associated with impaired bone growth and an increased risk of the development of bone diseases highlighting this minerals role in bone health. Research indicates that manganese may be involved in the modulation of osteoblast and osteoclast activities that are essential for bone formation and resorption.

Contributes to Metabolism

Studies also indicate that manganese can support the metabolism of glucose which is vital for supporting cellular energy levels. Manganese is able to regulate the production and secretion of insulin and research has linked manganese deficiency with impaired insulin secretion and glucose intolerance in rats. Moreover, the oral intake of manganese has been shown to decrease blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

Typical Use:

While manganese can be obtained through the consumption of a healthy balanced diet, many choose to supplement manganese to ensure that they obtain the suggested intake for the best health outcomes. In supplements, this mineral is typically included as an ingredient in multivitamin and mineral formulas to provide a wide range of health benefits or within products specifically formulated to enhance bone health.