Manganese - The Love Element

Manganese is one of eight essential trace minerals. It is the main antioxidant in the cell, and plays an important part in many physiological processes. Manganese is necessary for normal functioning of the brain, nervous system, and the body's enzymes. The body will store around 20 mg of manganese in various organs, but it is still necessary to eat foods with manganese.

The reason manganese is called "the love element" is because it is known to contribute to the mother's love and maternal protection of her child.

Benefits

Production of enzymes
Protein, fat, cholesterol, glucose, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism
Helps the body use vitamins B, C, and E
Aids in having a healthy immune system
Aids in nerve health
Regulates blood sugar
Produces energy
Aids in bone growth and development
Aids in reproduction
Necessary for people with iron-deficiency anemia
Works with B-complex vitamins to provide feelings of well-being
Aids in blood clotting
Reduces inflammation

Causes of Deficiency

Poor diet, poor gut health, chronic diarrhea,

Symptoms of Deficiency

Hardening of the arteries, brittle bones, confusion, memory loss, convulsions, eye problems, hearing problems, cardiac issues, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, irritability, muscle contractions, loss of muscle coordination, blood sugar problems, damage to the pancreas, excessive perspiration, rapid pulse, grinding teeth, tremors, problems with breasts

Drugs That Deplete

Anticonvulsants

Natural Sources

Pineapples, avocados, pinto beans, lima beans, seaweed, seeds, pecans, navy beans, egg yolks, brown rice, peanuts, almonds, sweet potato, alfalfa, burdock, catnip, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginseng, hops, lemongrass, mullein, parsley, peppermint, red raspberry leaf, red clover, rosehips, wild yam, yarrow, yellow dock

Caution

Manganese toxicity has been known to occur in people, who were exposed to high amounts of manganese, from inhaling manganese dust in welding and mining.

Resources

1) Zehiroglu, C., & Sarikaya, S. B. O. (2019). The importance of antioxidants and place in today’s scientific and technological studies. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 56(11), 4757–4774. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-019-03952-x
2) BSc, A. A., PhD. (2023, July 12). Antioxidants explained in simple terms. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/antioxidants-explained#free-radicals
3) Janciauskiene, S. (2020). The beneficial effects of antioxidants in health and diseases. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation, 7(3), 182–202. https://doi.org/10.15326/jcopdf.7.3.2019.0152
4) Pham-Huy, L. A., He, H., & Pham-Huy, C. (2008, June 1). Free radicals, antioxidants in disease and health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3614697/#sec5
5) Deavall, D. G., Martin, E. A., Horner, J. M., & Roberts, R. (2012). Drug-Induced Oxidative stress and toxicity. Journal of Toxicology, 2012, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/645460
6) Kahn, J. (2022, August 26). Nine benefits of antioxidants: From disease prevention to healthy aging. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/benefits-of-antioxidants