Manganese

It is a vitally essential trace element found in vegetable leaves, unrefined grains, nuts, tea, potatoes, tomatoes, soybeans, peas. Manganese accumulates in the liver, tubular bones, pancreas, kidneys. It is present in mitochondria in tissues. Used as an antiseptic in the form of potassium permanganate. The daily requirement for manganese is 2.5-5 mg, toxic dose – 40 mg per day. When entering the composition of enzymes, it participates in the metabolism of neurotransmitters and thyroxine, inhibits radical oxidation, is important for the formation of connective tissue, cartilage, and bones, strengthens the hypoglycemic effect of insulin, reduces fat concentration, and protects the liver from fatty degeneration. It is believed that an excess of manganese can damage prions that stabilize nerve cells, and cows can suffer from spongiform encephalopathy. In cases of intoxication, neurological symptoms of the Parkinson’s type occur, and inhaling the corresponding dust – manganese coniosis.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė