Manganese, Mitochondria, and MetabolismManganese is an essential nutrient because the body needs it to function. As with most of the vitamins and minerals humans need, it has more than one role in the body’s processes. Even though this nutrient is important, the medical community didn't recognize the need for manganese in the human body until the 1970's, when the first cases of manganese deficiency were recorded.So just why is manganese so important? Most of the manganese needed by the body is for the following necessary purposes:AntioxidantMost of the manganese in the body is used as an enzyme, which is like a catalyst to begin and start processes, like digestion. Manganese, in one of its many forms, acts as an antioxidant in mitochondria. Mitochondria act as the energy source of most cells, thus uses more than 90% of the oxygen inside the cells. The manganese acts as an antioxidant (prevents the transfer of electrons or hydrogen between cells), to help alleviate any stress caused by the imbalance of free radicals (atoms looking for another electron to become stable).MetabolismOne of manganese’s most important roles is in metabolizing carbohydrates, cholesterol, and amino acids. There are two different manganese-containing enzymes that start producing glucose, which is used as an energy source throughout the body, from non-carbohydrates. Glucose also plays a factor blood sugar levels, and thus may be helpful for those with diabetes. Another enzyme is used in the liver to detoxify ammonia, a byproduct from the metabolization of amino acids. A different enzyme in the brain changes one amino acid to another, to ensure neurotransmitters are working properly. More research is being done to find if this particular process can help certain neurological disorders.Bone DevelopmentManganese is stored by the body in the bones, liver, kidney and pancreas, which is why there is research showing manganese is important for healthy bones, as many animal species have abnormal skeletal developments when they don’t receive enough manganese.For humans, research has shown that, in general, manganese is absorbed slightly better by women than men, due to women often having lower iron than men (some correlation has been shown between iron absorption and manganese absorption). Overall, some researchers are using manganese, in combination with copper, zinc, and calcium to help humans with bone loss if they have osteoporosis. The thought is that manganese helps in the formation of cartilage and bone by assisting certain enzymes in synthesizing certain proteins.Healing WoundsThe body healing itself is a wondrous process that requires the communication and organization of many parts in the body to complete. One part of the process is increasing collagen, which is needed in the formation of skin cells. Manganese is part of the enzyme that provides amino acids to facilitate in this formation development.Nutrient InteractionsAs mentioned earlier in bone development, manganese, combined with copper, zinc, and calcium can help those suffering from osteoporosis. Other interactions include iron, magnesium, and calcium. Iron appears to have the same pathways in the body, so much that high levels of one can prevent the other from being absorbed properly. The same goes for magnesium and calcium; supplemental magnesium and calcium are shown to decrease the ability of manganese to be used properly. It also helps the body utilize vitamins like thiamine, choline, and vitamin C.Manganese also helps the body abosrb other vitamins like B1, E and other B-complex vitamins to help counteract depression, anxiety or other nervous disorders. Manganese has also been shown to help improve thyroid function or even reduce heavy menstrual flow.Source articles found here, here and here.
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