The Biological Role of Manganese in Humans - Why it is Important to include it in your Daily Diet?

The Biological Role of Manganese in Humans - Why it is Important to include it in your Daily Diet?
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Manganese is a trace mineral that is widely found in nature. Although manganese has an important biological role in the human body, it only occurs in trace amounts in our tissues. Only 15-20 milligrams of this trace mineral are present in the human body and most of it is found in the bones. Some amount is also found in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, pituitary glands, and adrenal glands. Here is a look at the biological role of manganese in the human body.

Manganese as an Enzyme Activator

Manganese plays an important role as an enzyme activator in the human body. There are certain enzymes in the body that are responsible for the utilization of several key nutrients. Biotin, thiamin, ascorbic acid, and choline are some of these vital nutrients and manganese activates the enzymes that help in using these nutrients in the human body.

Glycolsyltranserferases and xylosyltransferases are enzymes that are important in bone formation and manganese is responsible for their activation.

Manganese also acts as a catalyst in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. The metabolism of protein and carbohydrate is another one of its functions. It may also play a role in the production of sex hormones and in maintaining the reproductive health of an individual.

Another important function of manganese may be in the production of the thyroid hormone called thyroxine, which is responsible for controlling the rate of metabolism, regulating the rate of oxygen use by cells, and generating body heat. Manganese also plays a role in maintaining healthy nerve tissues.

Manganese as a Component of Metalloenzymes

One of the major functions of manganese is as a constituent in some metalloenzymes. These metalloenzymes include the following:

  • Arginase - This is an enzyme present in the liver that creates urea. Urea is a component that is produced when the liver breaks down proteins and amino acids and is also responsible for expelling extra nitrogen from the body through the urine.
  • Glutamine synthetase - This enzyme plays an important role in synthesizing glutamine, which is an amino acid that helps in improving mental function, controlling blood sugar, and maintaining muscle mass.
  • Phosphoenolpyruvate decarboxylase - It is involved in the metabolism of blood sugar.
  • Manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase - This enzyme is present only in the body’s mitochondria, which is the part of the cell that produces the energy required by the cells. It performs an antioxidant function by protecting the tissues from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Manganese Deficiency

Since manganese plays an important role in the human body, its deficiency can have an impact on the major physiological processes. Poor dietary intake of this nutrient is the most common cause of manganese deficiency. Excessive sweating and chronic liver or gallbladder disorders are also causes of manganese deficiency. Deficiency of this nutrient can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood sugar levels, bone loss, low cholesterol levels, difficulties of the reproductive system, dizziness, and hearing loss in adults. In infants, it has been found to cause paralysis, blindness, convulsions, and deafness. However, manganese deficiency occurs very rarely in humans.

Food Sources of Manganese

The important biological role of manganese in humans emphasizes the fact that it should be a part of one’s daily diet. You can get the required amount of manganese by consuming mustard greens, kale, raspberries, spinach, molasses, garlic, grapes, summer squash, green beans, brown rice, turmeric, strawberries, and maple syrup. The recommended daily intake of manganese for adults is between 1.8 to 11 milligrams. So, make sure to include manganese as part of your daily diet.

References

For more information on the functions of manganese in humans please visit the following links:

www.whfoods.org

Vitamin and Herb University: Manganese