ABOUT THOSE BENEFITS

‘Manganese is essential for healthy bones, cartilage, tissue and nerves, as well as for producing red blood cells and insulin,’ explains Ruani. It makes you think – literally. ‘Your brain’s various processes result in a lot of metabolic by-products that lead to free radicals,’ she notes. ‘Manganese is the main antioxidant enzyme in your mitochondria – cells’ energy source.’ A 2020 study* found that women with low manganese levels in early pregnancy were more likely to develop pre-eclampsia. But whether or not this means adequate manganese levels are actively protective remains unclear.