Manganese is an essential mineral but in high doses may become toxic. It is found in fruits such as pineapple, nuts and whole-wheat grains. It is also found in drinking water. Why take a manganese supplement? Manganese contributes to energy yielding metabolism. Manganese is needed for activating enzymes that metabolise carbohydrates, cholesterol and amino acids. Pyruvate carboxylase a manganese dependent enzyme, is needed for gluconeogenesis (production of energy in absence of carbohydrates). Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. Manganese is a cofactor in the enzymes glycosyltransferases which are needed to form healthy bone and cartilage. Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue. Manganese deficiencies can result in abnormal cartilage formation. Manganese contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Manganese forms a part of many enzymes. One of these is manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), the main antioxidant enzyme in the mitochondria produced when mitochondria make molecules of ATP (energy); it allows the conversion of superoxide free radicals to water.
