Manganese, have you ever heard of it? Manganese is small but nice, because although you don’t need much of this mineral, it is essential for your health. It plays a role in important functions in your body. Here you can read everything you need to know about manganese.
What is manganese?
Manganese is an essential trace element: a mineral of which your body only needs a small amount. Manganese is essential for health because it is involved in the processing of carbohydrates, proteins and fats by enzymes. In addition, manganese acts as an antioxidant, protecting our cells against harmful external influences.
What does manganese do in your body?
Manganese has some scientifically proven health benefits. We have listed them for you:
- Manganese contributes to the formation of connective tissue
- Manganese is good for cartilage
- It promotes energy metabolism
- It helps protect healthy cells and tissues
- Manganese plays a role in bone production
What does manganese do in food?
Our body cannot produce manganese itself, so we must get this mineral through our meals. Less than ten percent of the manganese from food is absorbed by your body. That may not seem like much, but don’t worry! If you eat a healthy and varied diet you will get enough manganese.
But what does manganese contain? The mineral is mainly found in whole wheat bread, whole grain products, nuts, legumes, vegetables and fruit. There are also several supplements that contain manganese. For example, it is often added to multivitamins, antioxidant preparations and supplements for bones and joints. A manganese supplement without other added vitamins and minerals is not common.
Is manganese good for joints?
Manganese is good for the connective tissue in your bones and cartilage. Cartilage is an important part of your joints and is found at the ends of your bones. It is a kind of cushion between the bone ends and ensures that you can move smoothly. Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue in bone and cartilage.
What is manganese deficiency?
Manganese deficiency does not occur in people who are healthy and eat enough. The Health Council recommends approximately 3 milligrams of manganese per day for adults. There is little clear evidence for this amount. Therefore, see the 3 milligrams as a guideline for what you approximately need, not as a goal.
Manganese deficiency symptoms:
Little is known about the symptoms of a manganese deficiency. In an experimental study, where people followed a low-manganese diet, researchers saw skin problems. In laboratory animals, they also discovered problems in the brain and skeleton due to a manganese deficiency.
Is too much manganese harmful?
Manganese is a natural element that is needed in the body. You only need a small amount. If you consume too much manganese through food or supplements, you may experience unpleasant side effects. Fortunately, this rarely happens.
Side effects of too much manganese:
- Motor complaints
- Psychological complaints
Manganese has a function not only in your body, but also outside it. It is also used as a metal in steel production, batteries, agriculture as a nutrient, and in paint and glass production. This is important to know because long-term exposure to manganese can damage the nervous system. For example, if you inhale a lot of manganese dust and fumes due to a certain profession.
Sources: IVG, nutrition center
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2023-12-14 15:50:48
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