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Manganese is a crucial mineral that your body requires in small quantities to work correctly. It is an essential part of enzymes, which are proteins that help carry out chemical reactions in your body. These enzymes take part in various processes, such as creating bone, healing wounds, breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and making antioxidants that safeguard your cells from harm. Manganese also contributes to brain health by supporting nerve function and the production of neurotransmitters, which are vital for mental performance. However, your body cannot make manganese, so it must be acquired through food or supplements.
If Your Levels Are High
Elevated manganese levels might mean that you're consuming too much of this mineral, possibly through your diet or supplements. It could also be due to factors like being exposed to manganese in your surroundings or having a job that involves working with materials rich in manganese. In some cases, high levels could indicate a health issue that affects how your body processes and gets rid of manganese. Certain medications might also contribute to increased manganese levels. When there's too much manganese in your body, it can disrupt the balance of other minerals, mess with how enzymes work, and impact processes like metabolism and brain function.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of Manganese could include cognitive issues such as memory problems or difficulty concentrating, mood changes, tremors, and coordination problems.
If Your Levels are Low
Low manganese levels might mean that your body isn't getting enough of this essential mineral, which could be due to not eating enough manganese-rich foods like whole grains, legumes, and nuts. It's also possible that your body has trouble absorbing nutrients from food, which can be caused by issues like digestive problems or certain medications, such as antacids or some antibiotics. Additionally, chronic health conditions like liver disease or diabetes might affect your body's ability to maintain proper manganese levels.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of Manganese could include poor bone health, impaired growth, changes in glucose metabolism, and reduced antioxidant activity. Cognitive issues such as mood changes, learning difficulties, and memory problems could also be experienced.
The NutrEval® Plasma evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 2 years of age.
Hair Elements by Doctor's Data
Hair
The Hair Elements profile provides information regarding recent and ongoing exposure to several toxic metals and the status of specific nutrient elements. This noninvasive screening test requires only .25 grams of hair.
Micronutrient Test by SpectraCell Laboratories
Whole Blood
The SpectraCell Micronutrient Test analyzes over 30 vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to determine nutritional deficiencies. It also analyzes the performance and functional deficiencies of these micronutrients. This test is not recommended for patients under 12 years of age.
NutrEval® FMV by Genova Diagnostics
Whole Blood
Urine
Serum
The NutrEval® FMV evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.
Cellular Micronutrient Assay by Cell Science Systems
Whole Blood
The Cellular Micronutrient Assay measures the effect of micronutrients on a patient's immune function to identify nutrient insufficiencies. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 9 years of age.