Manganese,Blood

Manganese blood test is a useful diagnostic test that helps detect the level of manganese in the body. Manganese is a chemical that is present in minute amounts in the body, most prominently in the bones, connective tissue, blood-clotting factors, and sex hormones.

It helps the body in various ways, like:

• Metabolism of fats and carbohydrates
• Calcium absorption
• Blood sugar regulation
• Effective functioning of the nerves and brain

Manganese is considered an anti-oxidant since it helps fight free radicals. These free radicals are usually responsible for causing damage to the cells and DNA, as well as contributing to rapid ageing. The presence of manganese helps neutralise these components and may decrease the likelihood of heart diseases and cancer.

Low manganese levels can lead to conditions like infertility, weakness, bone malformation, and seizures. To combat this deficiency, it is vital to rely on food items that provide manganese to the body, like whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

On the contrary, excess manganese levels are associated with neurological disorders, similar to Parkinson’s disease. It also impacts the cognitive performance of school children.

Hence, a manganese blood test can be used to check the manganese levels in the body. The subsequent results can also help indicate recent manganese exposure, if any. Additionally, excessive manganese could point toward the chances of liver cirrhosis, which additional tests can confirm.

A manganese blood test can also be used to monitor the treatment of patients with this condition. It is a standard blood test that involves taking blood from the vein in the arm. However, the blood sample may be rejected if high concentrations of gadolinium or iodine are present in it. These compounds are known to interfere with metal tests and may influence the results.

Usually, values more than one or two times the upper range may be due to differences in the hematocrit variation. This range does not necessarily correlate to disease. However, additional tests are usually undertaken to confirm a diagnosis.

Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive manganese blood test for patients. It is recommended to visit a doctor who may suggest this test in the case of the following symptoms:

• Skin rashes
• Altered moods
• Increased premenstrual pain in women
• Hair depigmentation
• Difficulty walking
• Facial muscle spasms

Minor but persistent symptoms like aggressiveness and hallucinations might also arise in the case of manganese deficiency. 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Soumya Bhattacharya, Haemotologist from Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata.