MANGANESE

> trace mineral - vital for health - in small amounts.

> body stores manganese in the liver, pancreas, bones, kidneys, and brain.

> helps form an antioxidant enzyme. Antioxidants shield the body from free radicals, which are molecules that destroy or damage cells.

> helps promote strong, dense bones with other nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D.

> aids blood clotting - the first stage of wound healing.

> in pineapple, pecans, broad beans, spinach, sweet potato, almonds, peanuts and brown rice.

> deficiency causes poor bone growth, low fertility, impaired glucose tolerance, and abnormal metabolism of carbohydrate and fat.

> some studies show that people with diabetes and seizure disorders have low levels of manganese. Scientists are not sure if [1] diabetes causes manganese levels to drop, or if low manganese contributes to developing diabetes? and [2] seizures cause low manganese levels, or if low manganese contributes to having seizures?

!Caution! - too much manganese (from diet or inhaled fumes) in the brain, is associated with neurological disorders. Early life manganese exposure at high or low levels, may impact neurodevelopment.