Manganese deficiency is rare, but it has been reported in cases of diabetes and pancreatic insufficiency and in protein-energy malnutrition states such as kwashiorkor.
Symptoms include impaired growth, skeletal abnormalities, depressed reproductive function and defects in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
In human, manganese deficiency generally does not develop unless the mineral is deliberately eliminated from the diet. It has been reported that prolonged manganese deficiency is associated with osteoporosis in man and that osteoporotic subjects have low serum manganese levels.
Other problems associated with manganese deficiency include the occurrence of ataxia, loss of equilibrium, cell ultrastructure abnormalities, compromised reproductive function and abnormal glucose tolerance.
Low serum manganese levels have been reported in some diabetic and epileptic children, and a negative manganese balance has been observed in children with pancreatic insufficiency.
Manganese deficiency in human nutrition
