Manganese is a metallic mineral discovered by a 17th century German chemist named Johann Glauber. It was not isolated in a pure form until 1774, by Johan Gahn. But it was Gahn's associate, a Swedish chemist named Carl Scheele, who first determined that manganese was an element. Manganese, as a trace mineral element, is found in all forms and walks of life. It is essential to the health and functioning of the human body and human mind in several ways.

In terms of physical health, the mineral manganese works in the digestive system. Primary functions in the digestive system include acting as a cofactor in many of the enzymes responsible for releasing the energy in food, making it accessible to both body and mind for fuel.

Thiamin, or Vitamin B1, cannot be metabolized without the presence of this essential mineral.

The skeletal system needs manganese for the building of strong and healthy bones. Without it, the skeleton may not develop properly.

Manganese also serves the nervous system and brain, supporting good muscular reflexes. It also serves the reproductive system, enjoying an important role in the production of sex hormones and sperm.

Manganese is necessary for the brain to function properly. It supports memory and emotional stability, as well as the nerves themselves. Researchers are studying the relationship between epilepsy and other seizure disorders and the influence manganese levels may bear on seizure activity and severity. This mineral is also being investigated for its potentials in the treatment of mental disorders, like schizophrenia.

Manganese has vital antioxidant properties, and manganese works as a cofactor in the production of the body's most important antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Antioxidants perform a task that is essential to the body, the control of or stabilization of free radicals, which are responsible for a vast amount of damage within the body.

Free radicals are destabilized by their missing electron, and in seeking to stabilize themselves, they attack other molecules in an effort to take what they need from them, which results in those molecules becoming destabilized as well. If a cell accumulates enough free radicals, cellular damage occurs, which can lead to tissue damage as the free radicals roam, increasing their population.

Deficiencies in manganese can contribute to confusion, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, dizziness, deafness and blindness in infants, adult hearing loss, digestive disorders, ataxia, bone malformation, general weakness, infertility, irregular pulse, and pancreatic damage.

Nutritional supplements offer a reliable and safe means of seeing that your diet contains adequate amounts of this essential trace mineral, AS LONG AS supplement dosage remains within the standard recommended daily intake levels. Too much of any nutrient can do physical harm to the body, and therefore, it is essential to be knowledgeable about the nutritional needs of your body and the supplement you are considering.

Raw nuts and whole grains provide a natural source for manganese. Natural freshly brewed tea and avocados are also good natural sources.