Manganese Deficiency
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Manganese deficiency is very rare, as it is widely available in a number of foods and the amount of manganese required is very small.
The only groups of people who may be deficient are:
- People who are malnourished
People who are malnourished are not eating enough of any foods, so may become deficient not just in manganese but in all the minerals and vitamins. - Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Much of the nutrients eaten by pregnant and breastfeeding women are passed onto the child and some extra may be needed each day to top up supplies of manganese (this is true for most nutrients, not just manganese)
Manganese deficiency is very rare, as it is widely available in a number of foods and the amount of manganese required is very small
Manganese Deficiency Symptoms
If a manganese deficiency did occur, it would include the following deficiency symptoms:
- Birth defects and reduced fertility
- Poor bone growth
- Problems with blood glucose levels
- Paralysis, deafness, blindness (very severe deficiency in children)
People who think they may at risk of manganese deficiency should seek the advice of their doctor about manganese supplementation.