Manganese (Mn) – Elevated

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What it means?

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace mineral that activates many important enzymes in the body. It supports energy metabolism, liver function, and antioxidant defense. In particular, manganese is a cofactor for superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), one of the brain’s main antioxidant enzymes.

Hair manganese levels can sometimes reflect body tissue levels, but they are also sensitive to external contamination from hair dyes, perms, bleaches, or manganese-rich well water, which can cause artificially high readings.

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Health connections

While manganese is required in small amounts, excess manganese can be harmful, especially to the brain and nervous system.

• Brain chemistry: High manganese has been shown to disrupt the function of the basal ganglia (a brain area involved in movement and behavior) and to interfere with dopamine and serotonin — two key neurotransmitters that regulate mood, behavior, and impulse control.

• Neurological and psychological effects: Elevated manganese has been associated with neurological symptoms (clumsiness, muscle pain, tremors, sleep disturbance) and with mood or behavioral changes (mental excitability, confusion, aggression).

• Toxicity risks: Long-term manganese toxicity is rare but can cause serious neurological syndromes similar to Parkinson’s disease.

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Common causes / sources

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• Internal: Iron or calcium deficiency (which increase manganese absorption), impaired liver or kidney function, chronic infection, alcoholism.

• External: Industrial or occupational exposure, contaminated drinking water, smoking, and some teas high in manganese.

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Symptoms linked to manganese excess

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• Muscle pain or weakness

• Sleep problems

• Neurological disturbances (tremor, clumsiness)

• Psychological changes (irritability, confusion, aggression)

 

Manganese (Mn) – Low / Deficient

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What it means?

Manganese (Mn) is a trace mineral required in very small amounts for normal health. It serves as a cofactor for enzymes that regulate metabolism, bone formation, wound healing, and antioxidant defense. Because it is needed only in trace amounts, low levels in hair do not always indicate a true body deficiency, but they can suggest reduced manganese availability or absorption.

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Health connections:

Manganese deficiency is rare, but when it occurs it may contribute to:

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• Poor bone development or bone weakness

• Impaired glucose and lipid metabolism

• Joint pain or skeletal abnormalities

• Slow wound healing

• Skin rashes or changes in hair pigmentation

• Increased susceptibility to oxidative stress due to reduced Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity

Deficiency may also influence brain and nerve function, as manganese helps regulate neurotransmitter balance.

 

Common causes / sources:

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• Internal: Poor dietary intake, malabsorption syndromes, or long-term consumption of highly refined diets.

• External: Prolonged high intake of calcium, phosphorus, or iron may interfere with manganese absorption.

• Dietary sources: Whole grains, nuts, legumes, leafy green vegetables, and tea are good natural sources of manganese.

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Symptoms that may be linked to low manganese:

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• Fatigue and weakness

• Bone or joint discomfort

• Poor wound healing

• Mood or neurological changes (less common)

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 “True manganese deficiency is rare, and supplementation should only be used under the guidance of Lemus Natural Medicine.”