Equipping People To Make Sense Of What They Are Told
Manganese is a trace element and essential mineral that is absorbed in the small
intestine and stored in small amounts in the bones, pituitary gland, pancreas and
liver.
Manganese is required for the formation of healthy skin, nerves, bones and cartilage
and works in conjunction with zinc and copper to activate an antioxidant named superoxide
dismutase, which prevents free radicals from destroying cell organs.
Involved in:
The synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids, and is essential for the utilisation
of choline, thiamin, biotin, and vitamins C and E.
It helps activate enzymes that regulate blood sugar, energy metabolism and function
of the thyroid gland.
Food sources - Nuts - whole grains - dried fruits - pineapples - leafy green vegetables
- beets - beans and brown rice.
Best with vitamins B1, E, and phosphorous.
Freeland-Graves JH. Manganese: an essential nutrient for humans. Nutr Today 1989;23:13-19
.
Molybdenum - essential for the proper function of certain enzyme-dependent processes,
including the metabolism of iron. It also forms part of several body enzymes and
is needed to convert a substance called purine into uric acid.
Symptoms of deficiency include:
Rapid heartbeat and breathing.
Headaches.
Night blindness.
anaemia.
Mental disturbances.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Toxicity - large amounts:
Can interfere with the absorption of copper.
Can cause nausea.
Can cause Diarrhea.
Can cause gout-like symptoms such as joint pain and swelling.
Food sources - Milk, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, unrefined cereals and grains,
hard tap water.
Best with vitamins E, A and beta-carotene.
Note
Those with yeast intolerance check the source of the selenium used in any supplement.
Molybdenum has been used to treat copper toxicity in conditions such as Wilson's
disease.
Johnson JL et al. Molybdenum cofactor deficiency in a patient previously characterised
as deficient in sulfite oxidase. Biochem Med Metabol Biol 1988;40:86 93.
Sardesai VM. Molybdenum: an essential trace element. Nutr Clin Pract Dec 1993;8:6,
p. 277-81.
Brewer GJ. Practical recommendations and new therapies for Wilson's disease. Drugs
1995;50:240-249.
Selenium - required to activate a number of hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
It also activates an antioxidant enzyme called glutathione peroxidase.
Selenium also plays a vital role in the functioning of the immune system.
Studies have found that selenium supplementation stimulates the activity of white
blood cells. It also enhances the effect of vitamin E, one of three vitamins that
act as antioxidants.
Involved in:
Assisting the removal of free radicals, as well as toxic minerals such as mercury,
lead and cadmium.
Assisting in fighting infections by stimulating increased antibody response to infections.
Assisting in producing healthy sperm.
Assisting tissue elasticity.
Assisting pancreatic function.
Helps with alleviating menopausal symptoms in women.
Helps in making the blood less "sticky".
Promotion of energy in the body.
Note
In certain cases selenium has also proven effective in helping to fight cold sores
and shingles, which are both caused by the herpes virus.
