Mannan

Other names: Mannoglycan

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Mannan, also known as Mannoglycan, is a biopolymer class composed of mannose units. These polysaccharides are widely found in the cell walls of many types of yeasts, fungi and some bacteria, where they serve as essential building blocks. Due to its special properties, mannan is used in many industries.

Mannan has a significant application in the food industry, where it is used as a thickener, stabilizer or emulsifier in products such as ice cream, sauces, soups, baked goods and beverages. Mannan is also used in animal feeds to aid healthy digestion and to absorb toxic substances from the body. The cosmetics industry uses its moisturising and emollient properties. It is added to creams, masks, shampoos and other skin and hair care products. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry in the production of medicines for digestive disorders or to support the immune system. Other uses of mannan include the production of bioplastics, anchoring agents for the textile industry or in the energy sector as a component of biofuels.