Higher manganese levels may cause fatal heart infection 

Higher intake of dietary manganese, an essential mineral found in leafy green vegetables, fruits and nuts could lead to infection of the heart by a bacterium, researchers warned.

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According to study:

• Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”).
• It is the leading cause of bacterial endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart chamber and heart valves).
• And the second most frequent cause of bloodstream infections.
• In the study, most of the mice that consumed a high manganese diet.
• About three times more manganese than normal — died after infection with staph.
• The researchers, found that excess manganese inactivates a key line of defence against pathogens.
• In addition,the innate immune system’s reactive oxygen burst.
• Normally, in response to staph, “neutrophils pour into the site of infection
• And blast the bacteria with reactive oxygen species,” Researchers explained.
• However, the excess manganese counters this blast.

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What Researchers say?

• It’s striking that a single dietary change can inactivate one of the most powerful branches of innate immune defence and lead to fatal infection.
• The human body does a wonderful job of regulating nutrient levels and a traditional Western diet has plenty of minerals in it.
• The idea of super-dosing nutrients needs to be given careful consideration,” they noted.
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Findings:

• The findings showed that increased manganese in hair samples.
• Furthermore,was significantly associated with decline in full-scale IQ, processing speed and working memory.
• Children may be particularly susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of ambient manganese exposure.
• In addition,as their brains are undergoing a dynamic process of growth and development.