One essential trace mineral: Manganese
Manganese is often confused with magnesium. Magnesium is a major mineral needed in larger amounts while Manganese is an essential trace mineral needed in tiny amounts, about 3mg daily.
We get Manganese from whole grains, nuts, legumes, shellfish and tea. Every good multi should include manganese in its mineral complex. Somewhere between 1 and 2 mg per day is ideal. A good multi mineral should have a trace mineral blend that includes Manganese along with Selenium, Zinc, Copper, Boron, Molybdenum, Chromium and Vanadium and these should be included at meaningful levels. These are the critically important trace minerals that are responsible for maintaining many of our disease-fighting defence systems. Cell eXtra is a comprehensive multi-mineral with these trace minerals plus Magnesium and Calcium.
The most important role of Manganese is in the creation of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) needed to combat the superoxide radical produced from energy metabolism. If left unchecked superoxide leads to cell damage and the formation of disease.
One example is osteoarthritis. If Manganese, along with Zinc and Copper are low, insufficient SOD is formed in joint tissue leading to higher levels of superoxide. This can damage chondrocyte cells that secrete and maintain cartilage. SOD dismantles these free radicals before they can cause cartilage damage. This is why taking a good multi- mineral/multi- antioxidant formula like Cell eXtra is important for joint health.
Our mitochondria are our tiny cell engines that change food energy into the energy our bodies need. By doing so, superoxide is constantly being produced. Many experts believe the unchecked damage from superoxide in mitochondria is central to many diseases and premature aging. If we have sufficient SOD this dismantles superoxide to prevent free radical damage to mitochondria.
People take supplements for all sorts of reasons. To me, the number one reason is to protect our cells from free radical damage. This is why a well formulated multi should have the trace minerals including manganese. Let’s face it, aging is bad enough. Even worse is premature aging.
Note: Vitamin D, Antiox Plus and Bone Plus Coupon. Vitamin D has a 30% discount coupon and Antiox Plus and Bone Plus a 50%. The Coupon codes are vitamind30, antiox50, boneplus50. Put this code in the green ‘Apply Coupon’ box at the checkout or just phone 0800 423 559 and we will take care of this for you.
As always, feel free to contact me for personalised advice.
John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med)
Abundant Health
john@abundant.co.nz
0800 423559
Int’l +64 7 5722343
John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his all new newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz.
