Joint Pain & Minerals. Mar. 1994. Let's Be Healthy
Overcoming Joint Misery
Manganese is a trace mineral that is being recognized as an important factor in joint health. Manganese has many functions in the body. One job is to help important enzymes work to create new bone formation, energy production and the function of antioxidants. https://www.healthpub.com/posts/the-power-of-manganese-in-joint-health-and-flexibility
However, the one we'll look at here is the efffect it has on the production of something called mucopolysaccharides. Mucopolysaccharides are long chains of sugar molecules that help build connective tissue, and are important for cartilage structure and function.. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1207207/ They are also known as glycosaminoglycans. https://www.healthpub.com/posts/the-power-of-manganese-in-joint-health-and-flexibility
Mucopolysaccharides are necessary in the manufacture of cartilage which cushions the ends of bones and tendons and also helps make bone collagen. It enables muscles to attach to bones and create a space lubricant known as hyaluronic acid.
These substances enable bones to glide smoothly over one another without pain in the complexities of body movements. Without manganese, enzymes which synthecize mucopolysaccarides would not be able to work.
A manganese shortage can cause the grinding pain some people experience on certain joint movements. It can also soften bone tissue which might cause bones to bow. A deficiency leads to fractures and osteoporosis.
There are two main kinds of important bone cells. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoclasts help worn out bone cells quietly deteriorate. Osteoblasts, on the other hand, help new bone cells to grow and replace the old. This goes on all of the time, day and night. https://www.healthpub.com/posts/manganese-essential-for-bone-health-and-collagen-formation
Manganese is found in seeds, nuts, whole grains, brown rice, legumes, avocados, beets, bananas, blueberries, pineapple, prunes, lettuce, leafy greens, liver, and egg yolks. It's usually best to get minor minerals from foods rather than supplementation.
So, let's look at the difference between collagen and cartilage since both are intertwined in their work in the body. Collagen is a protein which is interwoven in skin, bones, tendons and cartilage. The fibers in collagen lend strength to cartilage as well as elastacity. If one does not have enough collagen, cartilage can become weak and is apt to be damaged as in a fall or other accident. https://londoncartilage.com/insights/how-collagen-and-cartilage-work-together-to-maintain-healthy-knees
Cartilage is a type of connective tissue. It's strong, flexible and resilient and is made up of water, collagen fibers and certain specialized cells called chondrocytes. The latter help create the matrix or structure of cartilage. Cartilage reduces friction on interfacing bones, and absorbs shock in joints.
Collagen is a necessary component of cartilage. Cartilage is in the lower part of the nose, the end bones in joints, and the sternum or breastbone. https://londoncartilage.com/insights/how-collagen-and-cartilage-work-together-to-maintain-healthy-knees
Cartilage also has some different expressions in the body. Fibrocartilage is found in the pubic symphysis. Although this type of cartilage is stiff, there is enough elasticity that it lets the area expand during childbirth allowing for an easier birth. It is also in discs between vertebrae https://pediaa.com/difference-between-fibrocartilage-and-hyaline-cartilage/
Hyaline cartilage is in the rings in the trachea (windpipe), ends of growing bones, tips of ribs and the sternum. This is much softer than fibrocartilage. This is also the cartilage that occurs in the bones of growing babies in the uterus. Chondroitin is the stubstance that helps both types of cartilage to be flexible.
There is one more type of cartilage, elastic cartilage. It's the one that gives us the outer structure of the ears. It can bend and move back to its original state without causing pain. It is also in the larynx or voice box and the eustacian tubes. Those tubes connect your outer ear and carries sound into the interior of your head. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23173-cartilage
So, how does one care for these body parts? Body movement helps keep them functioning well. Some people use bovine cartilage or collagen to help keep them in tune. That doesn't work for a vegetarian. Some chew the cartilage from chicken bones. I heard of one woman whose broken leg mended very quickly and she attributed it to this habit.
Look again at the list of foods that have manganese. Some of them may not be your favorites, but this is a season of change. Consider eating for health instead of just for taste or convenience.
Be healthy!
Nancy Pidutti, PhD, NHH, Nurse, Chaplain
