Facts of Manganese Mineral

There are over 65 essential minerals in our body and we often think that skipping one or two wouldn’t really harm. But every mineral is important even though required in trace quantities.

Amongst the most important essential minerals, manganese is one of them. It is growing as a major supplement for skin care, cartilage and bone formation. The natural antioxidant of the body is also stimulated due to presence of this trace mineral. The body capacity of glucose tolerance is initiated by manganese.

Rather than having a tablet for manganese supplementation, eating natural sources of this mineral is more beneficiary. Fruits like pineapple and green leafy vegetables are good quantities of manganese. Foods like wheat gram, beet root, seeds, nuts, wheat brans and tea are also good sources.

As such there are hardly any deficiency conditions of manganese. In their daily diet, people usually eat 2-5 mg of Mn which is considered as sufficient and safe. People suffering from osteoporosis may have low Manganese concentration in their blood.

Contrary to many minerals, Mn has side effects with a standard threshold concentration which must not be exceeded. A daily dose of 5-20 mg is considered non-toxic. The cases of toxicity have been observed in workers of metal factories or those who accidently inhale Mn dust.

Certain health condition, lower the body excretion of MN which causes an increased concentration of MN blood level in body. For examples, patients of cholestrasis and cirrhosis are unable to excrete out Manganese properly. Even Diabetic patient should be cautioned against taking manganese supplementation.

The mineral manganese has also shown drug intrecation with certain drugs. To name a few, Ciprofloxacin and Oral contraceptives are the drugs that show interaction with Mn. Interestingly, presence of some other minerals, like iron and calcium, reduce the absorption of Manganese by body.