Researchers discovered that combining two treatments—eating a special diet with less manganese and using a medicine that removes manganese from the body—may help people with a rare genetic condition called SLC39A14-associated manganism. This condition causes problems with movement and coordination because manganese builds up in the brain. The study suggests this two-part approach could reduce the amount of harmful manganese in the body more effectively than either treatment alone. While this is early research, it offers hope for people with this serious but uncommon genetic disorder.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether combining a low-manganese diet with a special medicine (chelation therapy) that removes manganese could help people with a rare genetic condition that causes too much manganese to build up in their brains
  • Who participated: People with SLC39A14-associated manganism, a rare genetic disorder affecting how the body handles manganese. The exact number of participants wasn’t specified in the available information
  • Key finding: The combination of dietary restriction and chelation therapy appeared to reduce the amount of manganese in the body more effectively than previous approaches, suggesting this two-part treatment strategy may be beneficial for this condition
  • What it means for you: If you or a family member has this rare genetic condition, this research suggests asking your doctor about combining dietary changes with chelation therapy. However, this is early research, and more testing is needed before this becomes standard treatment

The Research Details

Researchers studied people with SLC39A14-associated manganism, a rare genetic disorder where the body can’t properly control manganese levels. Manganese is a mineral found in many foods that the body needs in small amounts, but too much can damage the brain and cause movement problems. The researchers tested whether combining two approaches—eating a diet with less manganese and using a medical treatment called chelation therapy (which uses special medicines to bind to manganese and help remove it from the body)—would work better together than separately. They measured how much manganese was in the body before and after treatment to see if the combination approach was effective.

This research matters because SLC39A14-associated manganism is a serious genetic condition with limited treatment options. By testing a combination approach rather than just one treatment alone, researchers can potentially help patients more effectively. Understanding how to reduce manganese buildup in the brain could prevent or slow down the movement problems and other symptoms that come with this condition

This research was published in a respected medical journal focused on movement disorders. However, the study details available are limited, and more information about how many people were studied and the specific results would help evaluate the strength of these findings. Readers should note this appears to be early-stage research that will likely need follow-up studies to confirm the results

What the Results Show

The combination of dietary restriction (eating less manganese) and chelation therapy (using medicine to remove manganese) appeared to reduce the total manganese burden in the body. This suggests that using both approaches together may be more effective than using just one method alone. The researchers found measurable decreases in manganese levels, indicating that the two-part treatment strategy had a real effect on reducing this harmful mineral buildup. This is important because manganese accumulation in the brain is what causes the movement and coordination problems seen in this genetic condition.

The research suggests that managing manganese through diet while also using chelation therapy creates a more comprehensive approach to treatment. By attacking the problem from two angles—reducing how much manganese enters the body through food and actively removing manganese that’s already there—the combined approach appears to be more powerful than either treatment working alone

Previous research has looked at dietary restriction or chelation therapy separately for manganese-related conditions. This study appears to be one of the first to systematically examine what happens when both approaches are used together. This combination strategy represents a new direction in treating this rare genetic disorder and suggests that doctors may need to think about multiple treatment approaches working together rather than relying on a single solution

The available information doesn’t specify exactly how many people were studied, which makes it harder to understand how reliable these findings are. The study appears to be relatively small, which is common for rare genetic conditions but means the results need to be confirmed in larger groups of patients. More details about how long people were followed and whether the benefits lasted over time would help readers better understand the practical value of this treatment combination

The Bottom Line

For people with SLC39A14-associated manganism: Talk to your doctor about whether combining a low-manganese diet with chelation therapy might help your specific situation. This research suggests promise, but it’s still early-stage research (moderate confidence level). Your doctor can help determine if this approach is right for you and monitor your progress. For family members and caregivers: Understanding that manganese in food may be controllable through diet is important information to discuss with medical providers

This research is most relevant to people diagnosed with SLC39A14-associated manganism and their families. It may also interest neurologists and doctors who treat movement disorders. People with other types of manganese exposure or other neurological conditions should not assume these findings apply to them without consulting their doctor, as this is specific to a rare genetic condition

Reducing manganese levels in the body takes time. Based on how chelation therapy typically works, people might expect to see measurable changes in manganese levels over weeks to months, though improvements in symptoms may take longer. This is not a quick fix, and patience combined with consistent treatment adherence will be important

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily manganese intake by logging foods eaten and their estimated manganese content (nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens are high in manganese). Also track any chelation therapy appointments and doses to ensure consistency with treatment plan
  • Work with a dietitian to identify and swap high-manganese foods for lower-manganese alternatives. For example, replace whole grain bread with white bread, or choose lower-manganese vegetables. Set reminders for chelation therapy appointments and medication doses to maintain treatment consistency
  • Create a monthly check-in system to track movement and coordination changes, energy levels, and any symptom improvements. Keep records of manganese levels from blood tests ordered by your doctor. Monitor adherence to both the dietary changes and chelation therapy schedule to identify which aspects of the treatment plan are being followed consistently

This research describes a treatment approach for a rare genetic condition called SLC39A14-associated manganism. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with manganism or a related condition, consult with a qualified neurologist or medical specialist before making any changes to diet or treatment. Do not start or stop any medical treatments, including chelation therapy, without explicit guidance from your healthcare provider. The effectiveness and safety of this combined approach may vary between individuals, and your doctor needs to monitor your specific situation closely.