MANGANESE

General Description:

Actions:

• nutritionists believe that Mn is important for certain enzymes involved in protein and calorie metabolism
• needed for the proper formation of bone and cartilage
• necessary for normal glucose metabolism
• is part of an endogenous antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD)

Deficiency:

• average daily intake in America is 2.7 mg in males and 2.2 mg in females
• RDA 2-5 mg/day

Interactions andToxicity:

• in many steel and chemical industry workers have been shown to develop a condition called locura manganica, or permanent insanity

Sources:

• whole grains, black tea, nuts and seeds are among the best sources
• fruits and vegetables are moderate sources