Manganese is a fairly common substance in nature. However, it can be found not in its pure form, but as part of some ore compounds. It is also a vital trace element for most plants and living organisms, including humans. Why manganese to the human body? In what concentrations is it beneficial and in what harmful? What products does it contain?
The role of manganese in the human body
Why is manganese so important for the human body? First of all, it affects the functioning of our nervous system. This trace element is directly involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters (physiologically active substances that transmit impulses between nerve cells). Also, manganese has a beneficial effect on the formation and growth of bone tissue along with calcium, supports the immune system in confronting various infections, and stabilizes the digestive process.
Manganese is also important for the human body for another reason. The assimilation of B vitamins, as well as C and E, rapid tissue healing, brain function, growth and the formation of new cells are impossible without its presence.
Most scientists hold the view that manganese is important for the human body, since it prevents the development of diabetes mellitus, diseases of the cardiovascular system and thyroid gland. It is a well-known fact that in people with diabetes, the percentage of manganese is 2 times less than in healthy people.
This trace element will help restore muscle tone and sensitivity to the extremities, prevent atherosclerosis, reduce the activity of harmful cholesterol, and normalize the genitourinary system. During pregnancy in moderate doses, manganese is necessary for the proper formation of the fetus, and after childbirth promotes lactation.
Among other things, manganese is involved in the process of hematopoiesis. It is also able to reduce the effect of toxins on the body. People have known about this property for a long time, because in case of poisoning, a weak solution of potassium permanganate is often taken to this day . These are the important functions that manganese performs in the body.
Daily requirement
Scientists have established a daily intake of manganese. Its average value is about 0.3 mg per 1 kg of human weight.
For children, the norm is slightly reduced, and its minimum value should be at least 1-2 mg per day:
- Up to 7 years - up to 0.1 mg per 1 kg of weight.
- From 7 to 14 years old - from 0.09 mg per 1 kg of weight.
Women need 2.5-5 mg of this substance per day. But physical activity, pregnancy and lactation require more intake of manganese in the body.
Men need a daily intake of at least 6 mg of manganese, and with an active lifestyle - up to 8.5.
Products Containing Manganese
If manganese is so important for the human body, then from what products can it be obtained? You can find them on the shelves of the most ordinary supermarkets. However, it is worth remembering that the maximum concentration of manganese is found only in unrefined, natural products that were made without the use of heat treatment.
Products of animal origin contain a minimal amount of this substance, which does not make it possible to make up for its deficiency in the body. Manganese contains:
- in all types of meat except pork;
- in the kidneys;
- in fish;
- in crustaceans;
- in cheese.
Large concentrations of the substance are found in products of plant origin:
- in olive oil;
- in fruits - grapes and lemon;
- in vegetables - cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radish;
- in legumes - peas, beans;
- in greens - parsley and dill;
- in cereals - rye, wheat, millet, sin, oatmeal, rice;
- in berries - lingonberries, bird cherry, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, black currants;
- in honey;
- in cocoa;
- in tea;
- in nuts.
Excess
Manganese is vital for our body. Health benefits and harms are directly determined by its concentration in the body. With an excess of manganese, absorption of iron often occurs. But such trace elements as iron, phosphorus and calcium, on the contrary, inhibit its absorption. However, this does not apply to food, but vitamin-mineral preparations, which are prescribed by doctors. With an uncontrolled intake of the latter, an imbalance of most important trace elements occurs.
Disadvantage
Deficiency in the body of one or another vitamin or trace element is not uncommon in our time. Quite often found in people and manganese deficiency. A few decades ago, this was an extremely rare occurrence.
The cells of our body are almost always subject to negative environmental influences, such as toxic ones. Constant nervous tension and stress cause the body to spend more manganese to ensure the integrity of cell membranes. In addition, the deficiency of this trace element is associated with a low consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
Nevertheless, manganese is a truly unique microelement, because if it does not enter the body for a long time, cells can inhibit its excretion to prevent its deficiency and the occurrence of a number of diseases. However, this effect is only temporary, a deficit will occur if there is no intake of this substance.
A deficiency or deficiency of manganese negatively affects our health: fatigue increases, dizziness and weakness occur, muscles hurt, and excess weight appears. Allergies, diabetes, joint diseases, bronchial asthma, epilepsy, and sclerosis can also occur. In addition, vitiligo disease, which is associated with impaired immunity, may develop. In young women with a deficiency of this microelement, infertility develops, and in the elderly - osteoporosis. But the children grow poorly, the development of the musculoskeletal system is inhibited.
Manganese-containing preparations
For therapeutic purposes, doctors can prescribe Turamin, which contains 25 mg of the substance in one tablet, for manganese deficiency. Also contain manganese and multivitamin complexes, such as:
- Vitrum
- Calcemin Advance ;
- Complivit;
- "Maxamine Forte";
- Multi-Tabs
- "Oligovit";
- "Supradin".
Are there any contraindications?
Manganese is undoubtedly important for the human body. However, there are situations when it is unacceptable to use drugs with his presence. This applies to people suffering from Parkinson's disease, as well as working in production using manganese salts, for example, in a steel plant, in the electrical industry.
One of the vital trace elements is manganese. In the human body, his role is huge: he participates in many metabolic processes, hematopoiesis, promotes tissue growth, increases their tone, prevents the development of diabetes and thyroid diseases. However, both its surplus and deficiency affect not in the best way.