How Manganese works on Arthritis:
Manganese is an element which aids in the formation of connetive tissues and bone. People with rheumatoid arthritis have lower levels of Manganese Super Oxide Dismutase (MnSOD) that keeps the joints from being damaged. Manganese is available as a food supplement and supplementaion of manganese may increase the levels of MnSOD in the body. Food supplementation of manganese combined with other joint support supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can decrease the pain from osteoarthritis. In a double-blind placebo controlled study about knee osteoarthritis, manganese ascorbate combined with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate helps alleviate the symptoms of this condition.
Side Effects and Precautions of Manganese:
Manganese is toxic when taken at high doses. Symptoms of manganese toxicity include loss of appetite, nerve damage, memory loss, hallucinations, elevation of blood pressure and liver damage. Manganese supplementation is contraindicated in persons with liver failure. Persons taking contraceptives or antacids may need higher intake of manganese.
Forms, Dosage and Brand Names:
Available as manganese gluconate, manganese sulfate, manganese ascorbate, manganese amino acid chelates. It works best when combined with chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and ascorbic acid.
Adults: The typical dose of manganese supplementation ranges from 2 to 5 milligrams per day.
Pregnant Women: The maximum safe dosage is 2 milligrams per day.
Children: The dosage is determined by your doctor.
References about Manganese and Arthritis:
McAlindon” T.E., et al. “Do antioxidant micronutrients protect against the development and progression of knee arthritis?,” Arthritis and Rheumatism 39(4):648-656. 1996.
Heliovaara, M. et al. “Serum antioxidants and risk of rheumatoid arthritis,” Annals of Rheumatic Disease 53(1):51-53, 1994.
Shealy, Norman, M.D., Ph.D. (editor). The Complete Family Guide to Alternative Medicine. Rockport, Mass.: Element Books Inc., 1996.
Murray, C. “Rheumatoid Arthritis,” Journal of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATOMS newsletter) Winter 1994, pp. 27-29.
Page last updated: May 02, 2009
