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.

Manganese is a mineral element that is both nutritionally essential and has the potential to be very toxic. This fact is further complicated by the small range of dosage for clinical benefit and toxicity with serious consequences. Manganese is an important factor in many critical biochemical processes including antioxidant function. The principle antioxidant enzyme within our mitochondria (energy) is superoxide dismutase and the enzymes requires manganese for optimal performance. Manganese is also required for normal skeletal development and cartilage synthesis. Wound healing is also impacted by manganese, as the synthesis of collagen in skin cells is dependent on the presence of adequate manganese. Manganese is also important functioning as a co-factor in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and cholesterol. Manganese is considered anti-osteoporotic and anti-arthritic.

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 is an essential trace mineral involved in various biological functions, including enzyme activation, antioxidant defense, bone health, and carbohydrate metabolism. Hair analysis can provide insights into long-term manganese exposure and its role in your body's metabolic balance.

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.