Manganese

Forms:  Manganese amino acid chelate

Sources:  Pineapple, brown rice, whole wheat bread, spinach

Adequate Intake:  2.6 mg/day for lactating mothers (no RDA established)

Description:  Manganese plays an important role in producing carbohydrates from other sources (gluconeogenesis) as well as converting ammonia to urea.  It is also important in the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins, and in forming MnSOD which is the primary antioxidant in the mitochondria in our cells.  Also, manganese is involved in the formation of collagen, wound healing, and in the development of the cartilage and skeleton.  A manganese deficiency can lead to reduced glucose tolerance in addition to impaired growth and abnormal skeletal formation in children.  However, intakes in excess of 11 mg/day are not recommended.