What is Mangan? What is Manganese? Mangan and Manganese (Mn) are the same.
A news article in the newspaper recommended foods for the exam period and stated that pineapple is the only fruit containing manganese. However, there are many foods containing manganese. Pumpkin is a good source of manganese and its seeds also contain manganese. What are the benefits and harms of manganese, what does its deficiency and excess cause?
What is Manganese?
Manganese is a very common component that can be found everywhere on earth. Manganese is not among the three essential toxic trace elements. It is toxic if found in very high concentrations in the human body. If people do not consume the recommended daily intake amounts, their health deteriorates. But at the same time, at high intakes, health problems will occur.
High intakes of manganese by humans come from foods such as spinach, tea, and spices. The foods containing the highest concentrations of manganese are grains, rice, soybeans, eggs, nuts, almonds, pistachios, olive oil, pumpkin and pineapple, chickpeas, green beans, and oysters.
After absorption of manganese in the human body, it is transported via blood to the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and endocrine glands. Manganese is an important mineral for cartilage and connective tissue formation, involved in protein synthesis, digestion, and energy production from nutrients in the body.
Its deficiency can cause symptoms such as constant fatigue, memory problems, infertility, weight loss, especially growth retardation and bone development issues in children and infants. Manganese is also a very important element for plants and is an indispensable fertilizer component in today's modern agricultural sector.
Effects Seen in Excess and Poisoning
Manganese effects are mainly observed in the respiratory system and the brain. Symptoms of manganese poisoning are hallucinations, forgetfulness, and nerve damage. Manganese can also cause Parkinson's disease, pulmonary embolism, and bronchitis. If a man is exposed to manganese for long periods, impotence may occur.
The syndrome caused by manganese has symptoms such as schizophrenia-like symptoms, dullness, muscle weakness, headache, and insomnia.
Chronic manganese poisoning results from long-term inhalation of dust and fumes. The main area damaged by the disease is the central nervous system and it can result in permanent disability. Symptoms are exhaustion, insomnia, weakness, emotional disturbance, spastic gait, repeated leg cramps, and paralysis. Pneumonia and other upper respiratory tract infections have been frequently observed in workers handling manganese compound dust or fumes. Manganese compounds are experimental equivocal tumorigenic agents.
Problems Seen in Deficiency
Since manganese is a necessary element for human health, the absence of manganese can also cause health problems. These effects are listed below:
- Obesity
- Glucose intolerance
- Blood clotting
- Skin problems
- Low cholesterol levels
- Skeletal disorders
- Birth defects
- Changes in hair color
- Neurological symptoms
- Goiter
- Hair loss
Manganese Sources
| Food | Manganese in 100 g |
|---|---|
| Blueberries | 0.3 mg |
| Raspberries | 1.2 mg |
| Barley | 1.65 mg |
| Bitter apricot kernels | 1.9 mg |
| Millet | 1.9 mg |
| Almonds | 2 mg |
| Walnuts | 2 mg |
| Rice | 2 mg |
| Rye | 2.4 mg |
| Wheat | 3 mg |
| Spelt | 3.3 mg |
| Oatmeal | 5 mg |
| Hazelnuts | 6 mg |
| Poppy seeds | 6 mg |
| Wheat bran | 1-15 mg |
| Wheat germ | 9-18 mg |
| Cocoa | 3 mg |
Fermented soy is the best soy source. Some manganese is also found in antioxidant-containing foods. It is also found in foods like figs, dates, and custard apples. Deficiency is not seen in people with healthy and balanced diets.
Daily Amount
| Group | Amount |
|---|---|
| Infants | 0.3-0.6 mg |
| Children | 1-3 mg |
| Adults | 3-5 mg |
Excess calcium and phosphorus can reduce manganese absorption.
