Diff: Manganese
Comparing revision #1 (2023-12-31 03:42:36) with revision #2 (2024-03-04 22:30:11).
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'''Manganese''' is a trace element that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the human body. It is an essential nutrient required for the functioning of enzymes involved in metabolism, bone development, and antioxidant defence. While manganese deficiency is rare, excessive exposure to manganese can be harmful. This element is found in a variety of foods and is involved in maintaining overall health and well-being. |
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==Overview== |
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Trace Element: |
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Essential Nutrient: Manganese is an essential trace element necessary for the proper functioning of the human body. |
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Cofactor: It serves as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in metabolic reactions. |
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Biological Functions: |
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Metabolism: Manganese is involved in the metabolism of amino acids, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. |
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Antioxidant Defence: It plays a role in antioxidant defence, protecting cells from oxidative stress. |
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Bone Formation: Manganese contributes to bone development and maintenance. |
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Dietary Sources: |
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Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, and whole wheat are good sources of manganese. |
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Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, pecans, and sunflower seeds contain manganese. |
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Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas provide manganese. |
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Fruits and Vegetables: Pineapple, spinach, and sweet potatoes are manganese-rich foods. |
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==Recommended Daily Intake== |
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Varied Requirements: The recommended daily intake varies by age, sex, and life stage. For adults, it is generally around 2.3 mg for men and 1.8 mg for women. |
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==Deficiency and Excess== |
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Manganese Deficiency: |
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Rare Condition: Manganese deficiency is uncommon but may result in altered lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. |
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Bone Abnormalities: Severe deficiency may lead to skeletal abnormalities. |
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Manganese Toxicity: |
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Occupational Exposure: Prolonged exposure to high levels of airborne manganese, as seen in certain occupational settings, can lead to toxicity. |
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'''Manganese''' is a chemical element with the symbol Mn and atomic number 25. It is a hard, brittle, silvery-grey metal, often found in combination with iron and other minerals. Manganese is essential for the production of steel and other alloys, and it is also used in batteries, ceramics, and fertilisers. It is the fourth most commonly used metal in the world, after [[iron]], [[aluminium]], and [[copper]]. |
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Neurological Effects: Excessive manganese exposure may cause neurological symptoms, resembling Parkinson's disease. |
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==Interactions and Considerations== |
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Iron Absorption: |
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== History == |
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The discovery of manganese dates back to ancient times, with references to its use in the [[Roman Empire]] and in [[India]]. The metal was first isolated in 1774 by Johan Gottlieb Gahn, a Swedish chemist, who heated the mineral pyrolusite with carbon. The metal was named after the Latin word "magnes," which means magnet, because it was found to be attracted to magnets. |
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Competition with Iron: High manganese levels may interfere with iron absorption, particularly in individuals with iron deficiency. |
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== Properties == |
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Manganese is a transition metal with several important physical and chemical properties. It is hard and brittle, with a silvery-grey appearance. It is highly reactive and readily forms compounds with other elements, such as oxygen, sulphur, and chlorine. It has a high melting point of 1,244°C (2,271°F) and a boiling point of 2,646°C (4,795°F). |
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Neurological Health: |
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== Uses == |
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Manganese is primarily used in the production of steel and other alloys. It is added to steel to improve its strength, hardness, and resistance to corrosion. It is also used in the production of batteries, such as alkaline batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Manganese dioxide is used as a pigment in ceramics, as a decolorising agent in glass, and as a catalyst in chemical reactions. Manganese sulphate is used as a fertiliser in agriculture, to improve the growth of plants. |
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Parkinson's Disease: Some studies suggest a potential link between excessive manganese exposure and an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. |
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==Research and Health Benefits== |
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Antioxidant Properties: |
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== Health Effects == |
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Manganese is an essential nutrient for humans and animals, but it can be toxic at high levels. Inhalation of manganese dust or fumes can cause a condition known as manganism, which is similar to Parkinson's disease. Long-term exposure to high levels of manganese can also cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Ingestion of large amounts of manganese can cause a condition known as manganism, which is characterised by symptoms such as muscle weakness, tremors, and difficulty speaking. |
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Cellular Protection: Manganese's antioxidant properties help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. |
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== Environmental Impact == |
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Manganese is naturally present in the environment, and it is also released into the environment through human activities, such as mining, smelting, and the use of manganese-containing products. Elevated levels of manganese in drinking water can pose a health risk to humans, particularly infants and young children, who are more susceptible to the effects of manganese toxicity. Manganese contamination can also affect aquatic life, leading to the accumulation of manganese in the tissues of fish and other organisms. |
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Bone Health: |
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== Regulation and Safety == |
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In the [[United States of America|United States]], the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) for manganese dust, to protect workers from the harmful effects of manganese exposure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also established a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 0.05 milligrams per litre (mg/L) for manganese in drinking water, to protect public health. |
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Bone Formation: Manganese is involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy bones. |
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== Production and Mining == |
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Manganese is primarily mined in [[South Africa]], [[Australia]], [[China]], and [[Brazil]]. The largest producers of manganese ore are South Africa, Australia, China, and [[Gabon]]. Manganese is extracted from its ores by crushing, washing, and magnetic separation. The resulting concentrate is then roasted to remove impurities and converted to a product called ferromanganese, which is used in the production of steel. |