Manganese Requirement

Increased mean cell volume and mean cell hemoglobin are seen in cases of manganese deficiency.

Bone cartilage can't grow or repair itself adequately without manganese – an essential part of glucosamine, which is in turn a major joint building block.  When glucosamine is in short supply, various forms of arthritis tend to arise, eventually leading to joint deterioration.

Administration of the trace mineral manganese (at 15mg per day) may prevent the development of tardive dyskinesia and higher amounts (up to 60mg per day) may reverse tardive dyskinesia that has already developed. [Manganese in dyskinesias. Am J Psychiatry 1976; 133: p.105, Am J Psychiatry 1997; 134: p.1448]

At least six different studies have confirmed that people who experience seizures have below normal manganese levels.  Epileptics have low whole blood and hair manganese levels, and those with the lowest manganese levels typically have the highest seizure activity.

People with diabetes often have low manganese levels and this deficiency contributes to an inability to process sugars.  Supplementation improves glucose management in diabetics. [Nature, 1962; 194: pp.188-89]

Preliminary research suggests that individuals with cirrhosis may not be able to properly excrete manganese.  Until more is known, these people should not supplement manganese. [Lancet 1995;346: pp.270-4]

Mineral metabolism of 19 patients with hair loss was examined.  The analysis showed manganese deficiency in all 19.  Specific nutritional and mineral therapy resulted in improved hair growth after 2-3 months of treatment. [Blaurock-Busch, E. Wichtige Nahrstoffe fur Gesunde Haut und Haare, Kosmetik Internat. 3/87]

Mineral metabolism of 19 patients with hair loss was examined.  The analysis showed manganese deficiency in all 19.  Specific nutritional and mineral therapy resulted in improved hair growth after 2-3 months of treatment. [Blaurock-Busch, E. Wichtige Nahrstoffe fur Gesunde Haut und Haare, Kosmetik Internat. 3/87]

An insidious effect of excess zinc over a period of years is the reduction of serum manganese, 90% of which is contained in the erythrocytes.

Manganese strengthens arterial tissues, making them more resistant to plaque formation.

In a double blind study of women with normal menstrual cycles, lower dietary manganese (1.0mg versus 5.6mg) was found to increase mood and pain symptoms during the premenstrual phase. [Am J ObstetGynecol. 1993 May; 168(5): pp.1417-23]

There is a risk of fetal malformations, including increases in neural tube defects, without an adequate amount of manganese.

Manganese can help lower high triglyceride and cholesterol levels, with a particular effect on stabilizing LDL and decreasing its potential to form fatty plaques in the arteries.

See the link between Low HDL/LDL Cholesterol Ratio and Manganese Need.

Manganese can help lower high triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

Low blood manganese levels may accentuate depression.  A deficiency may contribute to depression stemming from low levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.

Individuals with osteoporosis sometimes have low blood levels of manganese. [Raloff J. Reasons for boning up on manganese. Science Sep 1986, 199 (review)]