← Blood tests
Manganese
Specialistalso mn
What it isManganese is a trace mineral cofactor for antioxidant and bone-forming enzymes, including mitochondrial superoxide dismutase.
DoesDrives bone mineralization, mitochondrial antioxidant defense, and connective tissue synthesis.
GoodMid-range manganese supports bone and antioxidant.
BadDeficiency is rare. Excess from environmental or occupational exposure is neurotoxic and causes parkinsonian symptoms.
- Standard
- 4.7–18.3 ng/mL.
- Optimal
- 6–12 ng/mL (narrow target)
- Modifiers
- Iron deficiency increases manganese absorption.
How to optimize
- Lifestyle
- Avoid manganese-containing welding fumes and contaminated well water.
- Diet
- Whole grains, nuts, legumes, leafy greens, tea.
- Supplements
- Generally not needed; usually adequate in diet.
- Peptides
- —
- Drugs
- Chelation for documented toxicity.
Reference ranges are general adult lab norms; optimal ranges are editorial picks from the longevity literature — not medical advice. Always interpret results with your physician.
within Minerals