Manganese is a metallic element found naturally in leafy green vegetables, nuts, fruits, whole grains, coffee, spices and tea. Doctors consider it an essential trace element that helps the bones develop properly and ensures correct organ function. Manganese is responsible for producing many of the enzymes that the human body uses to build cartilage, bone and muscle and also helps with cholesterol metabolism and menstruation.

Most people get plenty of manganese from the food they eat, but highly processed foods may encourage a deficiency. People who work in industrial jobs may end up being over-exposed to manganese and suffer from symptoms of toxicity. A manganese blood test can help detect deficiencies or overdoses of this mineral and allow patients to correct any underlying problems.

Like many other blood mineral and vitamin tests, manganese testing requires patients to fast overnight, avoiding all food and any non-water beverages. Eating during this period could inaccurately influence the test. Most people have blood manganese levels of about 4.7 to 18.3 nanograms per milliliter, though test results can vary somewhat. Very high levels indicate manganism, or manganese poisoning, which could result in more serious health problems over time if allowed to go untreated. Low levels are rare, but can be corrected by improved diet or supplementation.