What is Manganese?

Answer:
Manganese is a natural element with Atomic number

25 and symbol Mn. Manganese is often found in nature with iron, and is typically found as a 'free-element'.

Manganese is the twelfth most plentiful element in the Earth's crust. The largest deposits of manganese occur primarily in Africa and the Ukraine regions of the globe; though other areas have manganese deposits as well.

Besides being a useful ingredient in some industrial applications; metal alloys, iron and steel, aluminum, dyes; manganese is also needed by all life as an essential trace element.

Manganese is needed as an adjunct to some of the enzymes our bodies use in digestion and other processes. Humans normally have around ten milligrams of Manganese in their bodies, that is, sans deficient or toxic conditions.

The United States Recommended Daily Allowance (USRDA) for manganese for adults is from 1 1/2 to 2 1/3 milligrams (Mg) per day.

Extreme exposure (toxicity) to manganese (as might be experienced by miners or others working with raw materials) might adversely affect the central nervous system; and lack of manganese is thought to have impact on susceptibility to some forms of cancer, as well as osteoporosis, and even epilepsy.

Some good sources for manganese in our foods include whole grains, many forms of tea, nuts, leafy green vegetables, spices, beans, fruits, molasses, and more.

As always, consult with your health professionals prior to using supplements and medications.