Manganese Reduces Cholesterol Levels

SEOUL, South KoreaResults from a Korean study suggest manganese, which is an essential element for normal development and bodily functions in humans, supplementation results in reductions of the blood cholesterol levels, which show an increase due to calcium deficiency in ovariectomized (OVX) rats (Biol Trace Elem Res. May 9, 2010).

Researchers examined whether manganese supplementation can alter the serum lipid parameters and liver function in calcium-deficient OVX rats. Sixty 6-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups and bred for 12 weeks: sham-operated control group (Sham), OVX calcium deficiency group (OLCa) with calcium-deficient diet, OVX calcium deficiency and manganese supplementation group (OLCaMn), OVX with adequate calcium group, and OVX with adequate calcium and manganese supplementation group (OACaMn). A low calcium diet increased the liver weight and serum levels of GOT, GPT, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in OVX rats. Manganese supplementation decreased these parameters in calcium-deficient OVX rat.