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Manganese and SLC39A8: What Your Genes May Mean for Manganese Status

Manganese is an essential trace mineral that supports energy production, bone strength, immune function, and antioxidant defenses. The SLC39A8 gene encodes the ZIP8 transporter protein that helps move manganese into cells. Variations in this gene can influence how well the body absorbs and uses manganese, with some variants linked to lower blood manganese levels and potential effects on brain function. Maintaining balanced manganese is important because both deficiency and excess can cause health problems.

How to read this report

  • This article explains how different SLC39A8 genotypes at rs13107325 can affect manganese transport and typical health considerations.
  • Use the accordion below to find the interpretation that matches your genotype: 2 effect alleles, 1 effect allele, or 0 effect alleles.
  • The information is educational and not medical advice. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing diet, supplements, or treatments.

Quick summary of practical actions

  • Focus on a varied food-first approach: whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and tea provide dietary manganese.
  • Avoid unnecessary high-dose manganese supplements unless a clinician recommends testing and treatment.
  • Consider targeted blood testing when there are symptoms or clinical reasons to evaluate manganese status or related metabolic concerns.
  • Follow general lifestyle practices that support mineral balance: varied diet, avoid excessive alcohol, monitor iron and copper status if advised by your clinician.

Genetic interpretation

2 effect alleles (TT) — approximate 50% lower average blood manganese

You carry two copies of the effect allele at rs13107325 in SLC39A8. This genotype is associated with about 50% lower average blood manganese concentrations compared to other genotypes. The ZIP8 transporter protein your gene produces is less efficient at moving manganese into cells, resulting in reduced manganese absorption and utilization.

Potential implications

  • Lower manganese may reduce risk of certain behavioral problems and hyperactivity in children and adolescents according to some research.
  • Lower uptake can protect against manganese accumulation and neurotoxicity in settings of high exposure.
  • On the other hand, substantially low manganese can affect energy metabolism, bone development, and antioxidant enzyme activity if dietary intake is insufficient.

Practical recommendations

  • Prioritize manganese-containing foods: whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, and tea.
  • Do not start high-dose manganese supplements without clinical testing showing deficiency. Excess manganese is harmful.
  • Discuss with your healthcare provider whether a blood manganese test or assessment of related nutrients (iron, copper) is appropriate, especially if you have symptoms of deficiency or chronic illness.
1 effect allele (CT) — lower average blood manganese

You carry one copy of the effect allele at rs13107325 in SLC39A8. The CT genotype is associated with lower average blood manganese concentration compared to those without the variant. The ZIP8 protein produced by your gene is mildly altered and transports somewhat less manganese into cells.

Potential implications

  • Moderately lower manganese may be linked to a reduced risk of behavioral problems and hyperactivity in children and adolescents in some studies.
  • Lower absorption can be beneficial by reducing risk of excessive accumulation, while still supporting essential physiological roles when dietary intake is adequate.

Practical recommendations

  • Eat a balanced, manganese-friendly diet with whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and tea.
  • Avoid routine manganese supplementation beyond what is in a standard multivitamin unless testing indicates a deficiency.
  • Consider clinical testing for manganese only if symptoms, exposure history, or a provider suggests evaluation.
0 effect alleles (CC) — typical manganese transport

You carry two copies of the non-effect allele at rs13107325. The CC genotype is associated with standard ZIP8 transporter function and typical manganese absorption and utilization. With normal transporter activity, dietary intake often supports adequate manganese status.

Potential implications

  • Typical manganese handling reduces genetic risk factors related to low manganese uptake.
  • Routine high-dose manganese supplementation is usually unnecessary and can increase risk of excess exposure if taken inappropriately.

Practical recommendations

  • Maintain a varied diet that includes whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens to meet manganese needs.
  • Avoid unnecessary supplemental manganese beyond a balanced multivitamin unless your healthcare provider recommends testing and supplementation based on clinical findings.

Dietary guidance

Food-first choices help keep manganese within a healthy range. Below are practical ways to include manganese-rich foods:

  • Whole grains: brown rice, oats, quinoa, barley
  • Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, black beans
  • Nuts and seeds: almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds
  • Leafy greens: spinach, kale, Swiss chard
  • Vegetables and fruits: sweet potatoes, pineapple, green beans
  • Tea: both black and green tea contain manganese but also affect iron absorption when consumed with meals

Supplement and testing considerations

  • Do not take manganese supplements unless a clinician has documented deficiency or a specific indication. High supplemental manganese can be neurotoxic.
  • A standard multivitamin with trace manganese is generally safe for most people and usually unnecessary to exceed recommended amounts.
  • Testing options your healthcare provider may consider: blood manganese level, and assessment of related minerals and markers (iron studies, copper, liver function) if clinically indicated.
  • Clinical interpretation of manganese testing can be complex. Discuss results with your provider before making changes.

Lifestyle and exposure

  • Avoid occupational or environmental manganese overexposure (welding fumes, mining, certain industrial settings) without appropriate respiratory protection and monitoring.
  • Limit excess alcohol intake; heavy alcohol use can alter mineral balance and liver function.
  • Maintain overall nutritional balance. Iron and copper status can interact with manganese handling, so a broad approach to micronutrient health is ideal.

When to talk to your healthcare provider

  • If you have symptoms suggesting mineral imbalance, such as unexplained fatigue, bone or joint concerns, changes in mood or cognition, or neurological symptoms.
  • If you have known occupational exposure risks to manganese or other heavy metals.
  • If you are considering high-dose supplementation or significant dietary changes based on genetic results.

Limitations and important note

Genetic variation at SLC39A8 is one factor that can influence manganese transport and blood levels. Diet, environment, age, liver function, other genes, and health conditions also affect manganese status. This report is educational and does not diagnose or treat medical conditions.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret genetics in the context of your overall health and before making changes to diet, supplements, or treatment plans.