Manganese (Aminoate)

Manganese (aminoate)

Manganese is an important trace element in life, and is found in nearly all organs in the human body. Manganese enables processing of vitamins and helps turn vitamin K into prothrombin. As a highly powerful antioxidant, manganese seeks out toxic free radicals and neutralizes them, thereby preventing cell damage.

Benefits of Manganese

Studies have shown that inadequate manganese intake can lead to various chronic diseases. Loading up on manganese through dietary intake or supplements can give you the following health benefits:

Stronger Bones and Lower Risk for Fractures

Manganese plays a critical role in the normal development of the human bone structure.^[1] In postmenopausal women, manganese supplementation significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine,^[2] suggesting that manganese can help build stronger bones and lower the prevalence of various fractures especially in the elderly.  

Normal Blood Sugar Levels

The prevalence of diabetes is higher in people with low blood manganese levels, suggesting that manganese may play a role in stabilizing blood sugar levels.^[3] Interestingly, one study revealed that adequate amounts of manganese in diabetics can help normalize insulin secretion in the blood to control blood sugar levels.^[4] 

Improved Metabolism

Regulating the body’s metabolism is one of the important functions of manganese.  Manganese-activated enzymes help metabolize cholesterol, carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids and other substances necessary for DNA replication.^[5]

Improved Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS can cause a wide array of debilitating symptoms in women including mood changes, muscle pain, headaches, depression and irritability. In one study assessing the effects of manganese and calcium in women with PMS, dietary manganese improved mood and pain symptoms even at small amounts.^[6] 

Healthy Brain

Manganese binds with brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters to enhance the   transmission of electrical impulses throughout the body, thereby boosting cognitive function.^[7]  

Increased Energy and Functional Efficiency

Manganese regulates blood sugar metabolism and absorption, thus ensuring proper energy allocation in every cell of the body.^[8] In one study, women with PMS who consumed 1.0 or 5.6 mg of manganese per day reported feelings of excitement, bursts of energy or activity, and improved well-being.^[6]

Improved Wound Healing

By applying manganese along with calcium and zinc to serious and chronic wounds related to injury or disease, studies show that the process of wound healing can be accelerated significantly.^[9] In one study involving two groups of patients undergoing surgery for tattoo removal, higher levels of manganese were associated with more stable and solid collagen, which is needed for faster wound healing and less visible scars.^[10]  

Lower Risk for Inflammatory Disorders

Manganese superoxide dismutase, an enzyme located in the powerhouse of the cells, helps protect against inflammation-causing free radicals. This in turn can lower one’s risk for inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, appendicitis, ulcers, and cardiovascular disease.^[11]  

References:

1. Palacios C. The role of nutrients in bone health, from A to Z. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2006;46(8):621-8.
2. Saltman PD, Strause LG. The role of trace minerals in osteoporosis. J Am Coll Nutr. 1993;12(4):384-9.
3. Rucker D, Thadhani R, Tonelli M. Trace element status in hemodialysis patients. Seminars in dialysis. 2010;23(4):389–395.
4. Koh ES, Kim SJ, Yoon HE, et al. Association of blood manganese level with diabetes and renal dysfunction: a cross-sectional study of the Korean general population. BMC Endocrine Disorders. 2014;14:24. doi:10.1186/1472-6823-14-24.
5. Shukla GS, Chandra SV. Effects of manganese on carbohydrate metabolism and mitochondrial enzymes in rats. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh). 1982;51(3):209-16.
6. Penland JG, Johnson PE. Dietary calcium and manganese effects on menstrual cycle symptoms. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;168(5):1417-23.
7. Takeda A. Manganese action in brain function. Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 2003;41(1):79-87.
8. Lucio G Costa; Michael Aschner (5 December 2014). Manganese in Health and Disease. Royal Society of Chemistry. pp. 555–. ISBN 978-1-84973-943-6.
9. Broughton G, Janis JE, Attinger CE. Wound healing: an overview. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;117(7 Suppl):1e-S-32e-S.
10. Vaxman F, Olender S, Lambert A, Nisand G, Grenier JF. Can the wound healing process be improved by vitamin supplementation? Experimental study on humans. Eur Surg Res. 1996;28(4):306-14.
11. Chang Li and Hai-Meng Zhou, “The Role of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase in Inflammation Defense,” Enzyme Research, vol. 2011, Article ID 387176, 6 pages, 2011.