Glyphosate, pathways to modern diseases III: Manganese, neurological diseases, and associated pathologies

Abstract

Manganese (Mn) is an often overlooked but important nutrient, required in small amounts for multiple essential functions in the body. A recent study on cows fed genetically modified Roundup®-Ready feed revealed a severe depletion of serum Mn. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup®, has also been shown to severely deplete Mn levels in plants. Here, we investigate the impact of Mn on physiology, and its association with gut dysbiosis as well as neuropathologies such as autism, Alzheimer's disease (AD), depression, anxiety syndrome, Parkinson's disease (PD), and prion diseases. Glutamate overexpression in the brain in association with autism, AD, and other neurological diseases can be explained by Mn deficiency. Mn superoxide dismutase protects mitochondria from oxidative damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction is a key feature of autism and Alzheimer’s. Chondroitin sulfate synthesis depends on Mn, and its deficiency leads to osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Lactobacillus, depleted in autism, depend critically on Mn for antioxidant protection. Lactobacillus probiotics can treat anxiety, which is a comorbidity of autism and chronic fatigue syndrome. Reduced gut Lactobacillus leads to overgrowth of the pathogen, Salmonella, which is resistant to glyphosate toxicity, and Mn plays a role here as well. Sperm motility depends on Mn, and this may partially explain increased rates of infertility and birth defects. We further reason that, under conditions of adequate Mn in the diet, glyphosate, through its disruption of bile acid homeostasis, ironically promotes toxic accumulation of Mn in the brainstem, leading to conditions such as PD and prion diseases.

Sodium selenate regulates the brain ionome in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

“…The close correlation between Se deficiency and the risk of AD has been shown in previous studies30. However, Mn appeared to have an opposite trend from that reported previously: overexposure to Mn might be involved in the progression of AD as well as other neurodegenerative diseases12474849. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between Mn and AD progression.…”

Soy-Based Therapeutic Baby Formulas: Testable Hypotheses Regarding the Pros and Cons

“…And unfortunately, the most commonly used pesticide, glyphosate, is not one of the contaminants tested by the Total Diet Study. Samsel and Seneff (126) found 170 ppb glyphosate in Enfamil ProSobee liquid concentrate.…”

“…Moms Across America found high levels of glyphosate in breast milk samples from lactating mothers 4 . The increased use of glyphosate has been linked with numerous modern diseases (126, 128). There is a correlation coefficient of R  = 0.99 when comparing the number of children with autism and the amount of glyphosate applied to corn and soy crops between the years 1991 and 2010 (126).…”

“…This hypothesis can be addressed through longitudinal RCT with subjects randomly assigned to organic versus conventional diets. Comorbid disorders of particular interest for the study are autism, diabetes, thyroid cancer, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease where incidence or death rates have grown rapidly since the introduction of GM food and use of glyphosate (126). In addition to RCT, the potential long-term effects of glyphosate could be studied in animal models, particularly in regard to body composition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies/toxicity.…”

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“…The deficiency of manganese, as an essential element, is very striking ranging from severe convulsions, asthma, skeletal and reproductive abnormalities (Finley & Davis, 1999;Samsel & Seneff, 2015). Daily intake of small amounts of Mn is needed for the good health and growth of children.…”