Manganese, a trace element found in whole blood, plays a pivotal role in human health and is measured in a Toxic and Essential Elements panel. As an essential nutrient, manganese is crucial for several biological processes, including bone formation, blood clotting, and immune response. It acts as a cofactor for various enzymes, notably those involved in metabolism and antioxidant defenses, such as superoxide dismutase, which protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. Despite its essentiality, manganese levels must be tightly regulated, as both deficiency and excess can lead to health issues.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element which is involved in the activation of many important enzymes. However, Mn excess is postulated to result in glutathionyl radical formation, reduction of the free glutathione pool, and increased exposure of adrenal catecholamines (e.g. dopamine) to free radical damage.

Hair Manganese (Mn) levels generally reflect actual body stores, and external contamination can influence hair Mn. Since particulate manganese-containing dust is the most common source of Mn toxicity, hair is considered to be an excellent tissue for the assessment of Mn exposure.

Whole grains (wheat germs, oats anda bran), rice, and nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, and pecans) contain the highest amount of Manganese. 

Other food sources include chocolate, tea, mussels, clams, legumes, fruit, leafy vegetables (spinach), seeds (flax, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower, and pine nuts) and spices (chili powder, cloves and saffron). 

Airborne exposure can occur through automobile exhaust, unleaded gasoline and occupational exposire (mining, welding, ferroalloy and steel industry, battery manufacturing). 

It is also present in fungicides, textile bleaching, manufacturing of glass and ceramics, paint, matches and fireworks, leather tanning, hydroquinone, potassium permanganate and other chemical production. Soil manganese concentrations can contaminate well water. 

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element which is involved in the activation of many important enzymes. However, Mn excess is postulated to result in glutathionyl radical formation, reduction of the free glutathione pool, and increased exposure of adrenal catecholamines (e.g. dopamine) to free radical damage.

Hair Manganese (Mn) levels generally reflect actual body stores, and external contamination can influence hair Mn. Since particulate manganese-containing dust is the most common source of Mn toxicity, hair is considered to be an excellent tissue for the assessment of Mn exposure.

Manganese is a mineral that plays a key role in forming connective tissue, sex hormones, making blood clotting factors, bone health, wound healing and central nervous system function. Manganese is also essential for the absorption of calcium, as well as glucose regulation, carbohydrate, fat, cholesterol and amino acid metabolism. 

Chronic exposure to manganese (as in industrial settings) may cause effects on the central nervous system.

Toxic exposure may occur from dry cells, fungicide (maneb), and in the steel or chemical industries. Manganese is present in the coloring agents for glass and soap, in paints, varnish and enamel, and in linoleum.

It is used in the manufacturing of chlorine gas and in lead-free gasoline. Industrial manganese poisoning has been recognized since 1837.

The "Manganese, 24 Hr, Urine" test measures the concentration of manganese in a 24-hour urine sample. Manganese is an essential trace element involved in various bodily functions, including metabolism, bone formation, and the functioning of the nervous system. It acts as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in antioxidant defense, collagen synthesis, and cellular energy production.

Why the Test is Done

This test is primarily used to evaluate the levels of manganese excreted through urine, which can provide insights into exposure to manganese, particularly in individuals who work in environments where manganese is present (e.g., mining, welding, or certain industrial processes). Elevated manganese levels can indicate occupational or environmental exposure, while lower levels are typically not a concern, as manganese is essential in small amounts.

Blood manganese testing provides crucial information about manganese status in your body. Understanding test results helps manage both deficiency and toxicity risks. Regular monitoring is essential for at-risk individuals and those with related health conditions.

Toxic exposure may occur from dry cells, fungicide (maneb), and in the steel industry or chemical industry. Manganese is present in the coloring agents for glass and soap, in paints, varnish, enamel, and in linoleum. It is used in the manufacture of chlorine gas and now in lead-free gasoline. Industrial manganese poisoning has been recognized since 1837. Some water supplies are sufficiently contaminated by manganese that endemic psychiatric and neurological disease is presen

The Manganese (Mn) content in the adult human is 11.0 to 23 ng/mL. About 25% is stored in the skeleton. Within each cell, Manganese is concentrated in the mitochondria. Bone, liver, and pancreas tend to have the highest concentrations.

Mn is an important part of the anti-oxidant enzyme super oxidase dismutase.

Mannose Binding Lectin (MBL) is a key biomarker in the innate immune system, playing a crucial role in the body's first line of defense against pathogens. It is a pattern recognition molecule that binds specifically to carbohydrate structures, such as mannose and other sugars, found on the surface of a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Upon binding, MBL activates the lectin pathway of the complement system, leading to enhanced opsonization of the pathogen, phagocytosis, and eventual lysis or clearance of the invader.

Intermediate levels of MBL may suggest that the individual has a partial deficiency, which can vary in its clinical significance. Some people with intermediate MBL levels may have a normal immune response and not experience frequent infections, while others might be at a slightly increased risk, particularly when facing high pathogen loads or during periods of stress or immune suppression. Intermediate levels might not lead to major health problems in healthy individuals, but they can be an indicator of potential vulnerability in those with additional risk factors, such as chronic diseases or immune system deficiencies.

Overall, both low and intermediate MBL levels can contribute to varying degrees of immune susceptibility, but the clinical significance is often determined by other factors, such as genetic background, overall health, and the presence of coexisting conditions.

The acronym MAR stands for mixed antiglobulin reaction. The test is used to diagnose imunological infertility, which means that antisperm antibodies are present that prevent conception from taking place. Antibodies in blood, semen or cervical mucous coat the surface of the sperm, which impairs sperm transport and ultimately fertilisation of the ovum.

The acronym MAR stands for mixed antiglobulin reaction. The test is used to diagnose imunological infertility, which means that antisperm antibodies are present that prevent conception from taking place. Antibodies in blood, semen or cervical mucous coat the surface of the sperm, which impairs sperm transport and ultimately fertilisation of the ovum.

Margaric acid is also known as heptadecanoic acid. It is a 17-carbon saturated fatty acid (17:0). Food sources mainly include milk and dairy products, though it can be endogenously made as well.

Most research in fatty acid metabolism has focused on even-chain fatty acids since they represent >99% of total human lipid concentration. For years, it had been concluded that odd chain saturated fatty acids (OCSFAs) were of little significance and used only as internal standards in laboratory methodology. However, there is now a realization that they are, in fact, relevant and important physiologically.

Margaric acid is also known as heptadecanoic acid. It is a 17-carbon saturated fatty acid (17:0). Food sources mainly include milk and dairy products, though it can be endogenously made as well.

Most research in fatty acid metabolism has focused on even-chain fatty acids since they represent >99% of total human lipid concentration. For years, it had been concluded that odd chain saturated fatty acids (OCSFAs) were of little significance and used only as internal standards in laboratory methodology. However, there is now a realization that they are, in fact, relevant and important physiologically.