Manganese helps the body form connective tissue, bones, blood clotting factors, and sex hormones.
It also plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation.
Manganese is also necessary for normal brain and nerve function.
Some experts estimate that as many as 37% of Americans do not get the recommended dietary intake of manganese in their diet.
Manganese deficiency may be tied to higher risk for:
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metabolic diseases
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type 2 diabetes
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obesity
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insulin resistance
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atherosclerosis
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liver disease