Manganese supplementation improves mineral density of the spine and femur and serum osteocalcin in rats

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2008 Jul;124(1):28-34. doi: 10.1007/s12011-008-8119-6. Epub 2008 Mar 11.

Abstract

The effect of manganese (Mn) supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism parameters was determined in ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were divided into four groups (OVX, OVX+Mn, sham, sham+Mn) and fed with different intake levels of manganese (adequate 0.001% Mn, supplementation 0.01% Mn) for 12 weeks. BMD of the lumbar vertebrae, femur, and tibia were significantly lowered in ovariectomized rats compared to the sham group. In addition, BMD of the lumbar vertebrae was significantly increased by Mn supplementation in the sham groups. Serum C-telopeptide cross-links of type I collagen (CTx), bone resorption biomarker, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bone formation biomarkers were not significantly different among the four groups. However, serum osteocalcin, a more sensitive bone formation biomarker, was significantly increased by Mn supplementation. To summarize, Mn supplementation resulted in increased BMD and bone formation. Based on our findings, more research is needed to better understand the effects of manganese supplementation on bone formation and resorption.

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology
  • Animals
  • Appetitive Behavior
  • Bone Density / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Femur / drug effects*
  • Femur / metabolism
  • Manganese / pharmacology*
  • Osteocalcin / blood*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Spine / drug effects*
  • Spine / metabolism
  • Weight Gain / drug effects

Substances

  • Osteocalcin
  • Manganese