Manganite

HYDRATED MANGANESE OXIDE

This mineral is a source of manganese, an essential mineral. Although its actions in the body are little understood, supplements are given by some North American therapists to schizophrenics and diabetics.

Manganese is essential to health but, as is the case with some other minerals, it is not known why. In animals, manganese deficiency is linked with poor growth and reproduction, defects in the bone formation and nervous systems of offspring, and anaemia. Apart from a study showing that diabetics have much lower levels, human deficiency has not been described. Even so, manganese is accepted as essential and is thought to be necessary to the building of the proteins that carry genetic information from one generation to the next. There is no set recommended daily intake for manganese and deficiency is highly unlikely. The mineral is well supplied by tea, wholegrains, nuts, and dark leafy vegetables.

PARTS USED

Manganese salts.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Manganese.

ACTIONS

Nutrient.

MEDICINAL USE

Some North American therapists give manganese to schizophrenics to counteract their high body copper levels and to diabetics to offset their low body levels. Tiny amounts are sometimes added to solutions for patients on parenteral nutrition (nutrition into a vein).

PREPARATIONS

Tablets.