Whole Blood Manganese (Mn)
Essential trace element functioning as the catalytic metal center of mitochondrial Mn-SOD (SOD2), arginase, and pyruvate carboxylase.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference Rangesug/L
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
4.0 - 15.0 ug/L
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
6.0 - 12.0 ug/L
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Protects mitochondrial matrix components from superoxide radicals generated by Complexes I and III of the electron transport chain.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (Mn High)
- •Manganism / industrial neurotoxicity (basal ganglia Parkinsonian syndrome)
- •Cholestatic liver failure
Low Levels (Mn Low)
- •Dietary manganese deficiency
- •Impaired mitochondrial antioxidant capacity
- •Defective bone/cartilage matrix
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Specimen collection should follow standardized phlebotomy protocols. Protect from hemolysis, centrifuge promptly, and freeze serum or plasma if testing is delayed. Patient should be in a resting, fasting state where indicated.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker quantification for Mn
- Targeted organ system imaging or functional dynamic testing related to mitochondrial superoxide dismutase
- Comprehensive baseline metabolic, renal, and inflammatory assessment (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
- [1]Clinical Reference and Molecular Physiology of Whole Blood Manganese - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 33990124
- [2]Mn Dynamics in Human Longevity and Precision Medicine - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35222901
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Whole Blood Manganese (Mn) into overall healthspan optimization.