The intervertebral disc is a fibrocartilage layer between two adjacent vertebrae.⁽¹⁾ The disc has a fibrous outside called the annulus fibrosus, enclosing a pulpy interior, the nucleus pulposa. The normal function of a disc is to provide padding between two bony vertebrae. This elastic cushion allows the spine to move in all directions and absorbs the stress of such motion.⁽²⁾

However, if a disc degenerates it may slip from between two vertebrae. This bulging, known as herniation, causes the disc to press on nerves along the spinal column causing pain. Pain can also result from the rubbing together of vertebrae no longer separated by the protecting disc.

The degenerative process can affect spinal ligaments too. These cartilage bands normally connect the spinal column to the support of the surrounding muscles. Stretched or flaccid ligaments cause abnormal tension on the muscles, resulting in spasms and pain.

Manganese Complex is blend of synergistic nutrients designed specifically to supplement deficiencies of manganese and other nutrients in the treatment of back problems. The ingredients in Manganese Complex support discs, tendons and ligaments and are essential for skeletal development. They also aid in the production of enzymes involved with muscular contraction and tend to prevent abnormalities of the muscles and nerves, reduce muscular weakness and improve coordination.⁽¹²⁾

The functions of the principal ingredients, manganese, sulfur (as sulfate) and silicon (from the herb Equisitum) are interrelated. Both manganese and sulfur are essential in for mucopolysaccharide synthesis and collagen formation. Sulfate is an essential component of mucopolysaccharides⁽²⁾ and manganese is a necessary cofactor for the enzyme glycosyltransferase.⁽⁷⁾ This enzyme is necessary for the uptake of sulfate for the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides. Mucopolysaccharides commonly found in cartilage and bony tissue include Chondroitin-4-Sulfate, Chondroitin-6-Sulfate, Dermatran-Sulfate and Keratin-Sulfate.⁽⁴⁾

The disc material itself is a network of protein collagen fibrils enmeshed in a mucopolysaccharide gel.⁽³⁾ Collagen gives support and maintains the shape of intervertebral discs, provides movement in joints and binds muscle cells together.⁽¹⁴⁾ Mucopolysaccharides are a group of jelly-like substances which function as the flexible extracellular cement for all connective tissue.⁽⁴⁾

Loss of sulfate from the disc is accompanied by loss of mucopolysaccharides. This condition occurs with age and is found when degenerated discs are analyzed. A degenerated disc has only one half the sulfate of a normal disc.⁽⁶⁾ Manganese deficiency has been associated not only with decreased disc mucopolysaccharides, but also with a lack of tone in ligaments and tendons.^(7,8)

Both the collagen fibrils and the mucopolysaccharide gel of the disc and other cartilage are dependent on silicon. Abnormalities in bone and cartilage have been produced and observed in silicon deficient animals.⁽⁹⁾ The herb Equisitum (horsetail rush) has an exceptional content of mineral salts, particularly soluble, organic silica. Silica has a remineralizing action on bone and it improves the resistance of connective tissue.⁽¹⁵⁾

Manganese is also necessary for normal bone formation and development.⁽¹⁰⁾ Deficiency may be associated with decreased bone density and resistance to fractures. Blood levels of manganese were reported to be significantly lower in a group of women had osteoporosis than in a similar group of women who did not.⁽⁵⁾

Manganese also functions in the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (manganese SOD), which is deficient in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Manganese supplementation has been shown to increase SOD activity.⁽¹⁴⁾

In addition to manganese, sulfur and silica, synergistic nutrients in Manganese Complex include:

WARNING: This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.