Manganese

Manganese

Manganese

Formal Name: Manganese Aminoate
Supplement Forms: Pills, food, liquid

Recommended Daily Allowance

  • Infants: (0 to 12 Months) 0.003 - 0.6 mg/day
  • Children: (1 to 13 Years) 1.2 - 1.9 mg/day
  • Adolescents: (14 to 18 Years) 1.6 - 2.2 mg/day
  • Adults: (19 and older) 1.8 - 2.3 mg/day
  • Lactating Women: 2.6 mg/day
  • Pregnant Women: 2.0 mg/day

Notes: mg stands for milligrams.

Additional Information

Discovered as an essential nutrient in the 1930's, manganese is mostly located in the bones of the human body. Minor amounts can also be found in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, pituitary glands and adrenal glands. It is also found in high concentration within the mitochondria of cells. The body only contains about 10 to 20 mg of this nutrient with only 3-4% of manganese from dietary intake being completely absorbed.

Bodily Functions That Manganese Assists In

Manganese is involved as an activator in the enzyme system which allows for carbohydrates, fats and proteins to be metabolized. It is active in the brain and nervous system as a nourishment to cells and helps allow for appropriate coordination between central nervous and peripheral nervous systems. In tandem with choline, it assists in the digestion and oxidation of fats. Manganese can also be found in the functioning of reproductive organs and the mammary glands.

Symptoms Of Deficiency:
  • Stunted growth
  • Digestive disorders
  • Skin rashes
  • Sterility in males and females
  • Abnormal bone development
  • Bone deformation
Foods High In Manganese

Sources that contain high amount of manganese include mustard greens, kale, romaine lettuce, spinach, turnip greens, green beans and collard greens. Other sources are pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, grapes, summer squash, beets, cucumber, bananas, figs, carrots, kiwi and peanuts.

Ailments That Manganese Helps Against:
  • Contributes to osteoporosis treatment
  • Prevents premenstrual syndrome
  • Helps against mood swings in women
  • Improves absorption effectiveness of Vitamin E and B
Side Effects/Toxicity

The established tolerable upper intake level for manganese is 11 mg for those 19 years old and over. Manganese toxicity is only particularly problematic to those who have undergone prolonged exposure to manganese dust which can result in nervous system disorders.