Madeline Adams
Manganese is an essential trace element. As a component of many proteins and enzymes, it is involved in energy production and in protecting the body from free radicals. Which foods contain manganese and what positive effects manganese has on the body, here?
Manganese: What is it?
Like zinc or iron, manganese is one of the vital (essential) trace elements. Essential because the body is not able to produce it: Manganese has to be ingested with food.
Manganese is about as common on earth as carbon and, as part of certain proteins, activates a variety of reactions in the body. Interestingly, the chemical properties of manganese are similar to those of magnesium. For this reason, many reactions that are controlled by manganese can also be stimulated by magnesium.
What foods contain manganese?
Manganese is found in almost all plant and animal foods. Nuts, whole grain products, legumes, and dried fruits are particularly rich in this essential trace element. By the way: The more iron the food contains, the less manganese the body absorbs, and vice versa.
What are the positive effects of manganese on the body?
Manganese can initiate reactions in the body, or is involved in them in some other way. Manganese is also important for cell protection: As an enzyme component, it helps to neutralize free oxygen radicals, which can otherwise cause so-called oxidative damage. It is also part of the sugar and fat metabolism and ensures, among other things, that blood sugar remains stable.
Manganese: what happens when there is a deficiency?
Manganese deficiency is extremely rare. Deficiency symptoms in humans have only rarely been documented so far, as it is contained in almost all foods. Symptoms such as unwanted weight loss, inflammatory skin diseases, and disorders of lipid metabolism are associated with a lack of manganese.
