Manganese is trace element which is required in small amounts in the diet. It is poorly absorbed from the small intestine. Manganese is transported by the blood as a loosely bound protein compound known as transmanganin. It is excreted as a constituent of bile but most of it is again re-absorbed and retained in the body. The amount excreted by urine is very small. This shows that the body can conserve the manganese very effectively.
Functions
Manganese activates a number of enzymes, especially anginas that the helps in the formation of urea. It forms the enzyme peptidases responsible for the hydrolysis of protein in the intestine. Manganese is associated with skeletal development lipid metabolism, control of nervous irritability.
Sources
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Nuts, legumes, whole-grain cereals contain manganese. Animal foods are poor sources of this mineral.