Thorne Research Manganese Bisglycinate Specialty Supplement, 15mg, 60 Capsules

Description

Manganese is a trace element that is vital to the human body, but in small amounts. Manganese is involved in many bodily functions, including the metabolism of amino acids, cholesterol, glucose, and carbohydrates. It also plays a role in bone formation, blood clotting, and reducing inflammation. The human body cannot produce manganese, but it can store it in the liver, pancreas, bones, kidneys, and brain. A person usually gets manganese from food.

Potential health benefits of manganese include:

• Providing antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, which destroy or damage cells in the body. Manganese helps form an antioxidant enzyme called superoxide dismutase (SOD). The authors of a 2011 study found that SOD breaks down one of the most dangerous free radicals, called superoxide, into small, non-harmful components. In vitro, this process can reduce the inflammation associated with pleurisy, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis.
• Supports bone health. Manganese, in combination with other nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, contributes to the development of strong and dense bones. Although some studies have shown that manganese can make bones dense, other studies have noted that calcium and vitamin D are significant promoters of bone health.
• Decreased blood sugar. In people with diabetes, manganese can lower blood sugar levels. The authors of a 2014 study in South Korea found that people with diabetes had low levels of manganese in their bodies.However, it is not clear whether this is a causative factor or a result of diabetes. Another study in mice showed that manganese helps the pancreas produce insulin. The body uses insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Taking manganese supplements may help a person with diabetes produce more insulin naturally, but more human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
• Wound healing. Along with vitamin K, manganese contributes to the formation of blood clots. Blood clotting is the first step in wound healing. Thus, manganese can stop blood loss when a person has an open wound.