Manganese is a trace element that we find in the periodic table. Where does manganese occur and what properties does the element have? What is the importance of manganese for our human organism?
What is manganese?
Manganese is a chemical element, which can be found with atomic number 25 in the periodic table. The element symbol is Mn and is in the seventh subgroup, the manganese group. Pure manganese is a silver-gray and very hard heavy metal, but is not a good conductor of electricity or heat. Manganese is soluble in water. The occurrence in nature is relatively common and manganese is found in the manganese nodules. These are found about 5000 meters deep on the ocean floor in the Pacific Ocean. Mainly manganese is found in South Africa. Large amounts of manganese are also found in Russia and in the Black Sea. However, manganese is not only important in industry or mining. What effect and tasks does manganese perform in the human body?
Function, effect and tasks
Manganese was first discovered by Swedish researchers in 1774. The essential (vital) trace element manganese is regularly absorbed into the human organism with food. When eating, the human body absorbs manganese and this passes through the stomach into the small intestine. There the manganese is absorbed and utilized. The bones have the largest manganese content in the body with about 40 percent. Manganese is also found in the liver, kidneys and pancreas, as well as in our muscles and hair pigments. The trace element fulfills various tasks in the body that are very important. For example, manganese is an important component of various enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that enable the body to trigger and also accelerate various chemical reactions. However, manganese can also activate enzymes and thus trigger specific reactions in the body. It is involved in the building of connective tissue or in the formation of urea and helps in the production of the body’s own proteins and fatty acids. The building of connective tissue occurs through a synthesis of proteoglycans (large-molecule substances consisting mainly of carbohydrates and proteins) in cartilage and bone tissue. In the degradation of amino acids manganese also contributes and thus manganese favors the production of urea and regulates the synthesis of insulin. Manganese supports the activation of enzymes, including those that act as antioxidants. These are important for the utilization of vitamin B1.
Formation, occurrence, properties and optimal values
To absorb an adequate amount of manganese, many plant foods should be consumed. In particular, manganese is found in cereals, legumes and rice. An important supplier is also green leafy vegetables, such as spinach or lettuce. However, the belief that meat and fish are high in the trace element manganese is wrong. Teas, on the other hand, contain a large amount of manganese, but it can be poorly absorbed by the organism. An optimal intake amount of manganese has so far only been statistically evaluated. According to the “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung e.V.” (German Nutrition Society), children from the age of seven, adolescents and adults need about two to five milligrams of manganese per day. With a balanced diet, the daily requirement is covered. However, if a person suffers from stress, consumes a lot of alcohol or takes iron supplements, more manganese is needed in the body than the average daily intake can cover. If a lot of processed carbohydrates, such as white flour, are consumed in the diet and convenience foods are consumed, the requirement for manganese is also increased. These foods contain virtually no manganese. On average, the body contains between ten and 40 milligrams of manganese. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is no increased need for manganese. If you eat a balanced diet, there is generally no manganese deficiency. An unbalanced diet can lead to an increased need for the trace element. Individual studies show that a lack of manganese in the body can lower cholesterol levels and HDL cholesterol (the body’s smallest lipoprotein). The formation of insulin can be impaired, which reduces the body’s control of blood sugar levels. Typical indications of manganese deficiency are impaired formation of cartilage and bone tissue. Skin and hair as well as nails may show damage.Hearing loss, the development of tinnitus or even muscle weakness can be further signs of a manganese deficiency. A blood test can be used to determine whether a manganese deficiency is present. When working in a mine, poisoning through inhalation of manganese has been known to occur. Steel workers can also suffer from manganese poisoning. Often, skin contact with the element is enough. If acute poisoning is present, the result can be severe pneumonia, which can also be fatal.
Diseases and disorders
To cure a deficiency of manganese, a daily supplement is given. Adults take up to 50 milligrams of manganese daily. There are no known side effects associated with taking it. It is not necessary to take manganese as a preventive measure. Manganese is often contained in dietary supplements. Here, however, the amount is relatively small, so that there is no danger of an overdose. However, if high-dose preparations containing manganese are taken over a longer period of time, the high dose can change the blood picture. The central nervous system can suffer damage. Predominantly, manganese is used in the medical field and should therefore be taken only after medical advice.
