MANGANESE
The word manganese comes from the Greek word meaning ‘magic’. This aptly describes the roles of manganese.
Manganese helps to build strong bones. Low levels can cause bone problems similar to osteoporosis Children need Manganese to build straight strong bones.
Manganese is a nerve and brain food. It is important for healthy brain function and in maintaining the body’s immune system. It assists the thyroid gland
Benefits of Manganese:
Manganese aids the production of reproduction hormones
It helps the flow of breast milk.
It encourages healthy bowel movements.
Manganese is important for the formation of collagen, used in the building of connective tissue.
It helps to form the cartilage which holds joints and bones and brain together.
Manganese helps to break down food carbohydrates and fat and convert it to energy
It helps to regulate blood sugar. Thus it helps prevent hypoglycaemia and diabetes.
It helps to regulate blood cholesterol, keep blood pressure stable and reduces the incidence of heart attack and stroke.
Deafness, poor balance and noises in the ear can be caused by lack of manganese.
Low levels can cause epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia. These conditions improve with added Manganese.
Manganese and zinc help remove excess copper from the body. High levels of copper generally accompany these conditions.
DOSAGE
3-5 milligrams per day are needed. Up to 10 milligrams per day is considered safe.
It is thought that 100 years ago people ate more whole grains, nuts and seeds which provided about 8 milligrams per day.
Today, refined flours and other foods mean we get considerably less than the recommended amount.
Canned pineapple is one of the richest sources – one cupful of pineapple gives about 3 milligrams
Calcium Affects Absorption Of Manganese
Calcium supplements interfere with the body’s ability to absorb manganese. 800 milligrams of calcium or more will affect your absorption of manganese. If you need to take a supplement of calcium, via dolomite or tablet, then you might need to take 2 milligrams of manganese chloride, which is easily absorbed, and take it several hours after your calcium supplement.
Alternatively, you could eat a cupful of canned pineapple two hours after your calcium tablet or dolomite supplement.
These measures will boost your manganese level to compensate for the loss caused by the calcium supplementation.
Wheatgerm and bran are rich sources of Manganese. White flour contains almost none, as the mineral-rich outer fiber of the grain has been stripped away.
The recommended daily allowance is 4,000 mcg per day, or 4 milligrams.
SOURCES
One cup of pineapple gives roughly 3 milligrams
One cup of tea gives 500 mcg
One egg gives 300 mcg
One banana gives 1,000 mcg
Two glasses of grape juice or wine gives 800 mcg
One plate of oatmeal porridge gives 3000 mcg
One slice of wholemeal bread gives 550 mcg
1/2 cup wholemeal flour gives 2800 mcg
1/2 cup peanuts gives 800 mcg
1/2 cup brown rice gives 500 mcg
1/2 cup spinach gives 3600 mcg
1/2 cup silverbeet gives 24000 mcg
3/4 cup baked beans gives 1300 mcg
1/2 cup green beans gives 600 mcg
One kumara gives 500 mcg
One cup chopped lettuce gives 300 mcg
Two tbsp wheatgerm gives 650 mcg
Two tbsp wheat bran gives 600 mcg
People who work in manganese mines are at risk of developing illnesses similar to those which asbestos causes.
Emphysema and nerve diseases like Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis can result after years of working with manganese.
Nerve damage can be evidenced by shaking hands, trembling and shuffling of the feet.
Depression can also result.
My cousin who worked in a manganese mine for ten years or more has chronic emphysema, arthritis, and osteoporosis, a bone disorder. He has never smoked.