Manganese Deficiency and Liquid Vitamins

Manganese is both nutritionally essential and potentially toxic.

The derivation of its name from the Greek word for magic remains appropriate because scientists are still working to understand the diverse effects of manganese deficiency and manganese toxicity in living organisms.

Manganese plays an important role in a number of physiologic processes as a constituent of some enzymes and an activator of other enzymes. Manganese super oxide dismutase is the principle antioxidant enzyme in the mitochondria.Because mitochondria consume over 90% of the oxygen used by our cells, they are especially vulnerable to oxidative stress. A number of manganese-activated enzymes play important roles in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol.

The fact that liquid vitamins and minerals absorbs so richly in both humans and pets systems helps the processes of manganese.

"Wound healing" is a complex process that requires production of collagen.

Manganese is required for the activation of prolidase, an enzyme that functions to provide the amino acid, proline, for collagen formulation in human skin cells. A genetic disorder known as "prolidase deficiency" results in abnormal wound healing among other problems, and is characterized by abnormal manganese metabolism.

Manganese deficiency has been observed in a number of animal species as well.

Signs of manganese deficiency include: impaired growth, impaired reproduction function, skeletal abnormalities, impaired glucose tolerance, and altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

In humans, demonstration of a manganese deficiency syndrome has been less clear.

Some children on long term parenteral nutrition, (TPN) lacking manganese developed bone demineralization and impaired growth that were corrected by manganese supplementation.

Young men who were fed a low-manganese diet developed decreased serum cholesterol levels and transient skin rash.

Blood calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline levels were also elevated, which may indicate increased bone remodeling as a consequence of insufficient dietary manganese. In the U.S., estimated average intakes range from 1.2-2.3 mg/day for men and 1.6-1.8 mg/day for women.

Rich sources of manganese include whole grains, leafy vegetables, and tea.

Foods that contain rich sources of this nutrient include pineapples (raw), pineapple juice, pecans, almonds, peanuts, instant oatmeal (prepared with water), raisin bran cereal,and brown rice (cooked).

Other sources include whole wheat bread, pinto beans (cooked), lima beans and navy beans (both cooked), spinach and sweet potatoes (both cooked), tea (green) and tea (black).

Several forms of this nutrient are found in supplements, including gluconate, sulfate, ascorbate, and amino acid chelates of manganese.

This nutreint is available as a stand-alone supplement or in combination products, and there are several very good brands of liquid vitamin and mineral supplements in today's markets to assist with this nutrient.

Natural Treatments for Manganese Deficiency

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