Manganese
Manganese is an essential nutrient involved in many chemical processes in the body, including the processing of cholesterol, carbohydrates, and protein according to Web MD (1).
It might also be involved in bone formation. It is also found in supplements usually linked with amino acids which may help with better absorption.
Food sources include cereals, nuts, green leafy vegetables, peas, beetroot, Barley grass and tea
Health Benefits of Manganese
- Increase performance
- May help with cognitive function
- Healthy Bones
- Healing Wounds
- formation of connective tissue
- Development and growth
What are the Benefits?
1) Increase Performance
Manganese contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, and therefore it may help with tiredness and fatigue, and so a supplement may help prevent this. This may also help those wanting to enhance their exercise performance.
2) It may help with cognitive function
Some of the body’s manganese is found in the synaptic vesicles in the brain, which means that manganese is closely connected to the electrophysiological activity of the brain’s neurons that control cognitive function. A deficiency may potentially contribute to epilepsy. (2)
3) Healthy Bones
Manganese is needed for the maintenance of normal bones. Bone structure may be affected if there is a deficiency and so getting enough Manganese may help to prevent Osteoporosis and other bone conditions, and may help with healing following fractures and broken bones.
4) Healing Wounds
According to Medline Plus, Early research suggests that applying a dressing containing manganese, calcium, and zinc to chronic wounds for 12 weeks may improve wound healing. (3)
5) formation of connective tissue
Manganese helps to form connective tissue. This includes the cartilage and related structures within the joints. Manganese is often included in Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements along with Vitamin C because they may be closely related to these functions.
6) Development and growth
Manganese is necessary for physiological processes that contribute to development, growth and neuronal function. (4)
Manganese synergy and works well with
- Calcium for bone health as it is needed for the maintenance of bones.
- Zinc for bone health and muscle building and recovery – Zinc is needed for the maintenance of bones.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for Osteoarthritis related conditions
Resources
Resources last accessed online 18/04/2020
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-182/manganese
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12505649
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/182.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4515672/
