Manganese

Overview

Manganese is a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in our body's overall health, much like a supporting character in a play who ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. It's involved in a variety of important processes, including the formation of bones, blood clotting, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Think of manganese as a tiny helper that activates enzymes necessary for these bodily functions. Found naturally in foods like nuts, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables, manganese is essential but needed only in small amounts. By measuring manganese levels in the body, we can gain insights into how well we're absorbing and utilizing this important mineral. Keeping manganese levels in balance is key to maintaining strong bones, healthy skin, and efficient metabolism.

Testing Levels:

• High (18.3 nmol/L) - If your manganese levels are higher than normal, it may indicate that you're absorbing too much manganese or being exposed to it excessively. This can happen if you work in an environment with high manganese levels or consume contaminated water. High manganese levels can affect your nervous system, leading to symptoms like muscle stiffness, tremors, or difficulty walking - similar to conditions like Parkinson's disease. It might also impact your liver and lungs. Identifying and reducing exposure to manganese is important to prevent these health issues from developing or worsening.
  
  
• Mid - Having manganese levels within the normal range indicates that your body has a healthy balance of this essential mineral. It means you're likely consuming an appropriate amount through your diet, and your body is absorbing and using it effectively. This balance supports various functions like bone formation, energy production, and protecting your cells from damage.
  
  When your manganese levels are approaching the upper limit of the normal range, it's a signal to pay attention but not necessarily a cause for immediate concern. It suggests that you might be exposed to higher levels of manganese than typical, possibly through your diet or environment. Monitoring your manganese intake and reducing exposure where possible can help prevent your levels from rising further and keep them within a healthy range.
  
  If your manganese levels are nearing the lower end of the normal range, it might suggest that you're not getting quite enough manganese, but it's not yet a deficiency. This could be due to a diet low in manganese-rich foods or minor issues with absorption. Including more manganese-containing foods like nuts, whole grains, and leafy greens in your diet can help boost your levels and support your overall health.
  
  
• Low (4.7 nmol/L) - Low manganese levels indicate a deficiency, meaning your body isn't getting enough of this essential mineral. This could be due to poor dietary intake, problems with absorption, or excessive loss from the body. Symptoms of manganese deficiency can include weak bones, joint pain, fertility issues, and problems with blood sugar control. Addressing this often involves increasing manganese intake through diet or supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Why We Test Manganese

Checking your manganese levels can help identify if you have too much or too little of this important mineral. This is especially useful if you have symptoms of deficiency or excess, work in an environment with potential manganese exposure, or have conditions that affect nutrient absorption. Maintaining proper manganese levels is essential for your bone health, energy production, and protecting your cells from damage.

What Affects It

Several factors can influence manganese levels in your body. Your diet plays a significant role - eating foods rich in manganese can increase your levels, while a diet lacking these foods can decrease them. Conditions that affect nutrient absorption, like coeliac disease or chronic diarrhoea, can lead to lower manganese levels because your body isn't absorbing it properly. On the flip side, exposure to high levels of manganese in the environment, such as in certain workplaces like welding or mining, can cause levels to rise. The health of your liver is also important since the liver helps remove excess manganese from the body. Additionally, low iron levels can cause your body to absorb more manganese than usual, potentially increasing your levels.

How to Improve

If levels are high or close to high: It's important to identify and reduce exposure to sources of excess manganese. This could involve using protective equipment at work, improving ventilation, or avoiding contaminated water and certain supplements. Consulting with a healthcare provider can provide guidance tailored to your situation.

If levels are low or close to low: Increasing your intake of manganese-rich foods can help raise your levels. Foods like nuts (especially almonds and pecans), whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and tea are good sources. If dietary changes aren't enough, a healthcare provider might recommend supplements. Addressing any underlying absorption issues, like gastrointestinal conditions, is also important to ensure your body can utilize the manganese you consume.

Common Name: Manganese