Manózy

Manózy is a sugar, specifically a monosaccharide, with the chemical formula C6H12O6. It is an epimer of fructose, meaning it differs from fructose only in the configuration of one chiral center. In this case, manózy differs from glucose at the second carbon atom. It is considered a hexose sugar, belonging to the aldose group. Manózy occurs naturally in various fruits and some plants, though typically in smaller quantities compared to glucose and fructose. It is also found in some glycoproteins and glycolipids.

The human body can metabolize manózy, although its absorption and utilization pathways differ slightly from glucose. It can be phosphorylated by hexokinase to mannose-6-phosphate, which can then enter glycolysis or be converted into fructose-6-phosphate. Due to its unique metabolic fate, manózy has garnered interest for potential health applications. Some research suggests it may play a role in modulating immune responses and influencing carbohydrate metabolism. However, the extent of these effects and their clinical significance are still subjects of ongoing scientific investigation. It is also used in some laboratory research settings to study carbohydrate metabolism and cell signaling.