Manganese

Manganese
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At a Glance

Manganese is an essential mineral that the body can only obtain through food. It has many vital functions, including helping to metabolize carbohydrates, cholesterol, and amino acids. It also assists the antioxidant enzymes of our mitochondria (the powerhouses of our cells). Manganese can be found in spinach, sweet potatoes, green and black tea, certain whole grains, beans, and more.

Overview

Manganese is an essential mineral for humans. Since your body doesn’t produce it, you must obtain it through food (or supplements). Manganese is a trace mineral present in tiny amounts in the body. It is found mostly in the bones, the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.

Importance

Manganese has many functions in the body including:

  • Assisting the antioxidant enzymes of the mitochondria
  • Working enzymatically to assist carbohydrate, amino acid, and cholesterol metabolism
  • Assisting in the synthesis of proteoglycans.

Food Sources

Manganese can be found in several foods including:

Deficiencies

Manganese deficiency is not generally observed in humans.

However, if you suspect a health problem or deficiency in certain nutrients, please see your primary health care provider (doctor, naturopath, etc). They can help unravel the complexity of your physiology.

Excess/Toxicity

Manganese toxicity is generally from industrial exposure only.

If you suspect a health problem or an excess of certain nutrients, please see your primary health care provider (doctor, naturopath, etc). They can help unravel the complexity of your physiology.

Recipe

For recipes rich in manganese, check out any of the Encyclopedia of Food entries for food items listed above.

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At a Glance

Manganese is an essential mineral that the body can only obtain through food. It has many vital functions, including helping to metabolize carbohydrates, cholesterol, and amino acids. It also assists the antioxidant enzymes of our mitochondria (the powerhouses of our cells). Manganese can be found in spinach, sweet potatoes, green and black tea, certain whole grains, beans, and more.