Mangan

Deutsch: Mangan / Español: Manganeso / Português: Manganês / Français: Manganèse / Italiano: Manganese

Mangan is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, particularly in the context of food and nutrition. It is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol, as well as in the formation of connective tissues and bones. The human body requires manganese for optimal functioning, and it is found in a variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy vegetables.

General Description

Mangan is a chemical element with the symbol Mn and atomic number 25. It is a silvery-gray metal that is naturally occurring and widely distributed in the Earth's crust. Manganese is an essential nutrient for humans and animals, playing a vital role in numerous enzymatic reactions. In the context of food, manganese is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system, the regulation of blood sugar levels, and the synthesis of fatty acids.

Manganese is found in various forms in food, including inorganic compounds such as manganese sulfate and manganese chloride, as well as organic compounds like manganese gluconate. The recommended daily intake of manganese for adults is approximately 1.8 to 2.3 milligrams, depending on age and gender. Deficiency of manganese can lead to various health issues, including bone malformation, impaired glucose tolerance, and neurological disorders.

The absorption of manganese from food is influenced by several factors, including the form of manganese, the presence of other nutrients, and the overall diet. For instance, the absorption of manganese from plant-based foods is generally lower than from animal-based foods due to the presence of phytates, which can inhibit manganese absorption. Additionally, excessive intake of manganese can be toxic, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological disorders.

Technical Details

Manganese is a transition metal that belongs to group 7 of the periodic table. It has a melting point of 1,246 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 2,061 degrees Celsius. Manganese is highly reactive and readily forms compounds with other elements, including oxygen, sulfur, and halogens. In the context of food, manganese is primarily found in the form of inorganic salts, such as manganese sulfate and manganese chloride, as well as organic compounds like manganese gluconate.

The bioavailability of manganese from food is influenced by several factors, including the form of manganese, the presence of other nutrients, and the overall diet. For instance, the absorption of manganese from plant-based foods is generally lower than from animal-based foods due to the presence of phytates, which can inhibit manganese absorption. Additionally, the absorption of manganese can be enhanced by the presence of certain amino acids, such as histidine and cysteine.

Application Area

• Nutrition: Manganese is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol, as well as the formation of connective tissues and bones.
• Agriculture: Manganese is an essential micronutrient for plants, playing a vital role in photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen metabolism. It is often added to fertilizers to ensure adequate levels of manganese in the soil.
• Industry: Manganese is used in various industrial applications, including the production of steel, aluminum, and other alloys. It is also used as a catalyst in the production of chemicals and as a pigment in paints and ceramics.

Well Known Examples

• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds are rich sources of manganese, providing significant amounts of the mineral per serving.
• Whole Grains: Whole grains such as brown rice, oats, and quinoa are good sources of manganese, providing a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.
• Leafy Vegetables: Leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and lettuce are also good sources of manganese, providing a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.

Risks and Challenges

• Toxicity: Excessive intake of manganese can be toxic, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological disorders. The tolerable upper intake level for manganese is 11 milligrams per day for adults.
• Deficiency: Deficiency of manganese can lead to various health issues, including bone malformation, impaired glucose tolerance, and neurological disorders. The recommended daily intake of manganese for adults is approximately 1.8 to 2.3 milligrams, depending on age and gender.
• Absorption: The absorption of manganese from food is influenced by several factors, including the form of manganese, the presence of other nutrients, and the overall diet. For instance, the absorption of manganese from plant-based foods is generally lower than from animal-based foods due to the presence of phytates, which can inhibit manganese absorption.

Similar Terms

• Iron: Iron is another essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including the transport of oxygen in the blood and the production of energy.
• Zinc: Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including the immune system, wound healing, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• Copper: Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including the production of energy, the formation of connective tissues, and the regulation of blood pressure.

Summary

Mangan is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, particularly in the context of food and nutrition. It is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol, as well as in the formation of connective tissues and bones. The human body requires manganese for optimal functioning, and it is found in a variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy vegetables. The recommended daily intake of manganese for adults is approximately 1.8 to 2.3 milligrams, depending on age and gender. Deficiency of manganese can lead to various health issues, including bone malformation, impaired glucose tolerance, and neurological disorders. Excessive intake of manganese can be toxic, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological disorders.

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