Manganese benefits
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The Benefits of Manganese: Essential Roles and Health Implications
Manganese and Neurological Health
Manganese (Mn) is a crucial micronutrient for maintaining neuronal health. It is required for the activity of several enzymatic proteins, such as arginase and glutamine synthase, which are vital for cellular functions. However, maintaining appropriate levels of Mn is critical, as both deficiency and excess can lead to neurological issues. Mn plays a significant role in protecting against oxidative stress and is involved in pathways related to Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases Horning2015Chen2015Balachandran2020.
Manganese and Type 2 Diabetes
Dietary intake of manganese has been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, particularly in women. A study involving Japanese men and women found that higher manganese intake was inversely associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over a five-year period. This association was especially strong in women with low iron intake, suggesting that manganese may play a role in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity .
Manganese in Animal Growth and Health
Manganese supplementation has been shown to improve growth performance and health in animals. For instance, in growing Rex rabbits, a diet supplemented with manganese improved growth performance, nitrogen metabolism, and skeletal development. Similarly, in Pekin ducks, manganese supplementation enhanced meat quality, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and improved intramuscular fat content Chen2020Yang2021.
Manganese and Metabolic Syndrome
Manganese acts as a co-factor for superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that reduces oxidative stress, potentially benefiting cardiometabolic health. Although the relationship between manganese and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is complex, some studies suggest that higher dietary manganese intake may be associated with a lower risk of MetS. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship .
Manganese in Diet and Biofortification
Manganese is primarily obtained through dietary sources, and its adequate intake is essential for various biological processes, including antioxidant defense and energy metabolism. Agronomic biofortification, such as foliar manganese application, has been shown to enhance crop productivity and manganese content in grains, addressing manganese deficiency in human nutrition Martins2020Zulfiqar2020.
Manganese and Immune Function
Manganese is indispensable for the immune system, serving as a catalytic center and structural core for enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, glycosylation, and signal transduction. It enhances the immune response in various vertebrates, including humans, and plays a role in modulating immune signaling pathways. However, excess manganese can lead to neurotoxicity, highlighting the importance of balanced manganese homeostasis .
Conclusion
Manganese is an essential micronutrient with diverse roles in human health, from neurological protection to metabolic regulation and immune function. While adequate intake is crucial for these benefits, maintaining balanced levels is equally important to avoid potential toxicity. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which manganese influences these various health outcomes.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Effects of manganese-supplemented diets on growth performance, blood biochemistry, nitrogen metabolism and skeletal development of rex rabbits.
Optimal manganese supplementation in growing Rex rabbits' diets is 20 mg/kg, improving growth performance and reducing nitrogen emissions without significantly affecting bone strength.
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