## 1 Introduction  
Trace mineral elements (TMEs) are involved in hundreds of biological processes relevant to exercise and sports performance, such as energy storage/utilisation, protein metabolism, inflammation, oxygen transport, heart rate, bone metabolism, and immune function [1, 2]. Under conditions of high metabolic demand, inadequate circulating and cellular TME levels can compromise optimal physiological performance [1, 3]. While extensive research exists on trace mineral elements (TMEs) such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu),selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn), other TMEs like manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo) have received less attention in the context of sports science. Manganese (Mn) is a metal belonging to group 7 of the periodic table, and ranks as the twelfth most abundant element in the Earth's crust [4]. Data on average Mn concentrations in human fluids exhibit considerable variation. In blood, Mn concentrations range from 0.008 to 0.05 mg/L, while in breast milk, they range from 0.0032 to 0.12 mg/L. The highest Mn content in the body is found in the bones of terrestrial mammals (up to 10 mg/kg) and in the hard tissues of aquatic animals [5]. Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient required for a variety of metabolic functions, including those involved in normal human development, the activation of certain metalloenzymes, energy metabolism, immune system function, nervous system function, reproductive hormone function, and in antioxidant enzymes that protect cells from damage due to free radicals [4]. Manganese (Mn) also plays a crucial role in regulating cellular energy, connective tissue and bone growth, and blood coagulation. Additionally, Mn is an important cofactor for a variety of enzymes, including those involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism [6]. Mn absorption decreases as dietary intake increases. On the other hand, Mn absorption increases with low Mn status. Thus, variable absorption is apparently a significant factor in the regulation of Mn homeostasis, to which its excretion contributes. Mn is found predominantly in the mitochondria and, therefore, the liver, kidney, and pancreas have relatively high Mn concentrations. On the other hand, Mn is present in extremely low concentrations in human plasma and urine [7]. Gastrointestinal Mn absorption involves the main intestinal iron transporters, such as Divalent Metal Transporter 1 (DMT1) ([PERSON] et al., 2010). The activity of this transporter increases when Fe stores are low, which would explain the increased Mn absorption under conditions of anemia or Fe deficiency [7]. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the primary antioxidant enzyme in mitochondria [3]. Physiological stress induced by exercise training enhances MnSOD activity in the myocardium, providing protection against ischaemia-reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and infarctions [8]. Manganese (Mn) may play a significant role in protecting against oxidative damage induced by high-intensity training and promoting workout recovery [9]. Manganese (Mn) is also essential for the activity of both pyruvate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, enzymes that play crucial roles in the gluconeogenic pathway by catalysing the first rate-limiting step [10]. Molybdenum (Mo) is a metal belonging to group 6 of the periodic table and is found in low concentrations in living organisms, with the highest concentrations being found in the liver, pancreas, and small intestine [11]. Mo is not biologically active, as it acts as a cofactor for a limited number of enzymes in humans by forming the molybdenum cofactor. The presence of molybdenum (Mo) is essential for several enzymes, including xanthine oxidase (XO), aldehyde oxidase, sulfite oxidase (SO), and the mitochondrial amidoxime reductase component (mARC). SO is believed to be the most important molybdenum for health. SO localizes to the mitochondrial intermembrane space, where it catalyses the oxidation of sulfite to sulfate.