Manganese

[RobinN]

I always got this confused with Magnesium, and now I am realizing and searching the difference.

A link between epilepsy and manganese was first presented in 1963 when Hurley and his research team observed that manganese-deficient rats were more susceptible to seizures that animals that that high levels of manganese. Also the EEG in these deficient animals were epileptic-like. Several subsequent research studies show that blood and hair manganese levels are low in epileptics, with the correlation that those typically having the highest seizure rates show the lowest levels of manganese. (L.S. Hurley, D.E. Wooley, et al. Influence of manganese on susceptibility of rats to convulsions. American Journal of Physiology. 1963. Pgs. 493-496.)
(E. G. Carl, B. B. Keen, B. Gallagher et al. Association of low blood manganese concentrations with epilepsy. Neurology. 1986. Pgs. 1584-1587.)
(P. Sampson. Low manganese level may trigger epilepsy. Journal of the American Medical Association. 1977. Pg 1805.)

http://www.healingwithnutrition.com/.../vitamins.html

Manganese is the brain and nerve food element. This critical mineral is stored in the body in conjunction with lecithin (a brain and nerve fat). It is impossible to maintain good health if this element is missing from the diet. Manganese is found in the bloodstream and like iron it helps carry oxygen from the lungs to the cells. Manganese acts upon the linings of the brain and cranium and upon the nerves and nerve fibers of the body. Manganese gives us strong nerves and coordinates thoughts; it is crucial for thought and action coordination. Memory is heightened by manganese and concentration becomes easier as nerve circuits are electrified. The intercommunication network of the brain is more efficient when manganese is supplied in ample quantities. It helps brain fibers make connections which encourages coordination of thought and purpose, it also improves eyesight benefiting both close up and long distance viewing of objects.

http://www.essense-of-life.com/info/tmanganese.htm
http://www.essense-of-life.com/info/epilepsy.htm

Common nutritional deficiencies quoted with epilepsy are manganese, zinc, and magnesium, so that nutritional analysis and supplementation where necessary is vital to successful management. [ 8.]

Vitamin E supplementation alone has been quoted as reducing seizure rates by as much as 50%. Selenium supplementation may also be of benefit.[ 8.]

It is essential that anyone taking anticonvulsant medications take adequate supplementation of nutrients that are likely to be depleted by both the condition and the interventional drug under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. Equally, it will be important to continually monitor liver and other bodily functions through regular medical checkups as these drugs play havoc with the body's homeostatic mechanisms. Unfortunately, a large number of medical practitioners demonstrate remarkable incompetence when it comes to clinical nutrition [5.]

http://home.iprimus.com.au/rboon/Epilepsy.htm

Although not all patients showed reduced tissue manganese levels, most those with frequent seizures had manganese levels falling below the lowest control level, suggesting a relationship between manganese tissue levels and high seizure activity.

http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content...act/29/11/1466

Manganese should not be used in persons with liver or kidney problems

The increasing consumption of refined flours and sugars is the now the most common cause of low manganese levels.
At least six different studies have confirmed confirmed that people who experience seizures have below normal manganese levels. Epileptics have low whole blood and hair manganese levels, and those with the lowest manganese levels typically have the highest seizure activity.

http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C326152.html

[RobinN]

Epilepsy. An important study in the early 1960s demonstrated that manganese-deficient rats were more susceptible to seizures and had electroencephalograms (EEGs) consistent with seizure activity.

http://www.metagenics.com/resources/...cs.htmlDietary

Sources

* Nuts (especially pecans and almonds)
* Wheat germ and whole grains
* Unrefined cereals
* Leafy vegetables
* Liver
* Kidney
* Legumes (peanuts, beans)
* Dried fruits

Refined grains, meats, and dairy products contain very small amounts of manganese. Unrefined foods, such as whole grain breads and cereals, are higher in manganese.

There is a documented correlation between low blood manganese levels and the presence of convulsions in both humans and animals. The lack of evidence indicating whether this is a cause or an effect of the convulsions clearly justifies more detailed follow-up investigations in humans.

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=18519473

[Bernard]

Great stuff Robin. This quote:

The increasing consumption of refined flours and sugars is the now the most common cause of low manganese levels.

really stood out to me. It ties right in with my seizure diets hypothesis.

[RobinN]

Yes, that stood out to me as well Bernard. I am just not sure from the list of foods where Rebecca will get her share of it. She limits far too much.
One more to add to my doctor questions.