Manganese

The human body contains approximately ten milligrams of manganese, most of which is found in the liver, bones, and kidneys. This trace element is a cofactor for a number of important enzymes, including arginase, cholinesterase, phosphoglucomutase, pyruvate carboxylase, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase and several phosphates, peptidases and glycosyltransferases. In certain instances, Mn(2+) may be replaced by Co(2+) or Mg(2+). Manganese functions with vitamin K in the formation of prothrombin.

Pathophysiology:

The article discusses the health benefits of miso soup, a Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. According to several studies, the rich contents of the soup which include antioxidants, prote...

Presents a study showing a link between high levels of manganese with the development of behavioral problems similar to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Presence of manganese in infant ...

Robert Crayhon: Joining me now is an expert on manganese, Dr. Dorothy Klimis-Tavantzis. Dr. Klimis Tavantzis, could you give us your educational background?

Dr. Klimis-Tavantzis: I started at Beaver College where I received my Bachelors in Biology and Chemistry. Then I went on and graduated from Penn State with a masters in Human Physiology and got a Ph.D. in Nutrition. My training is basically in the area of lipids, lipoprotein, and in the area of manganese nutrition.

The article offers suggestions on how to supercharge the production of powerful internal antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) to prevent oxidative stress and inflammation while enhanci...