Mandelate + Phenylglyoxylate are Styrene metabolites.

Sources of exposure:

- Raw materials (benzene and ethylene) for the manufacture of styrene are supplied primarily from the petroleum industry.

- Used in the manufacture of synthetic rubbers, synthetic latex, polyesters, and plastic products.

- Automotive emissions, tobacco smoke, released from building materials, carpet backing. Low-level exposure may occure through ingestion of food products packaged in polystyrene containers.

- Packaging materials, toys, hobbies, crafts, house wares and appliances, electrical and thermal insulation, fiberglass, pipes, automobile parts, foam cups.

Mandelic acid is the major metabolite of styrene. Styrene (vinylbenzene) is used as an intermediate in plastic synthesis. Values less than 5 mg/L are due to normal metabolism of phenylalanine or tyrosine.

Mandelic acid is the major metabolite of styrene. Styrene (vinylbenzene) is used as an intermediate in plastic synthesis. Values less than 5 mg/L are due to normal metabolism of phenylalanine or tyrosine.

→ Mandelic acid and benzoylformate are major metabolites of styrene and ethylbenzene exposure.

→ Styrene is a key component in consumer products. Occupational exposure has been associated with increased rates of pulmonary, neurological, genetic, ocular, and reproductive complications, plus leukemia.

→ Styrene can be found in polystyrene packaging and can migrate into packaged food.

→ Benzoylformate has been associated with metabolism of adrenaline and noradrenaline, and phenylketonuria.

→ In a review of 2005–2006 and 2011–2012 NHANES data (N=4690), smokers had 2-fold and 1.6-fold higher levels of both markers.

→ Eating more vegetables and fruit was associated with decreased levels.

- Manganese is an important factor in many critical biochemical processes including antioxidant function.

- Manganese is a mineral element that is both nutritionally essential and has the potential to be very toxic. This fact is further complicated by the small range of dosage for clinical benefit and toxicity with serious consequences.

- The principle antioxidant enzyme within our mitochondria (energy) is superoxide dismutase and the enzymes requires manganese for optimal performance.

- Manganese is also required for normal skeletal development and cartilage synthesis.

- Wound healing is also impacted by manganese, as the synthesis of collagen in skin cells is dependent on the presence of adequate manganese.

- Manganese is also important functioning as a co-factor in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and cholesterol.

- Manganese is considered anti-osteoporotic and anti-arthritic.

Fecal manganese (Mn) provides an indication of recent oral exposure to the element, and to a much lesser extent Mn that has been excreted from the body in bile. Manganese is an essential trace element that is naturally present in many foods and available as a dietary supplement. Oral absorption is very low (< 3%), so the vast majority of fecal Mn represents unabsorbed Mn from foods and beverages. Low oral absorption is protective because excessive retention of Mn in the body may have neurological consequences.

Manganese, a trace element found in whole blood, plays a pivotal role in human health and is measured in a Toxic and Essential Elements panel. As an essential nutrient, manganese is crucial for several biological processes, including bone formation, blood clotting, and immune response. It acts as a cofactor for various enzymes, notably those involved in metabolism and antioxidant defenses, such as superoxide dismutase, which protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. Despite its essentiality, manganese levels must be tightly regulated, as both deficiency and excess can lead to health issues.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element which is involved in the activation of many important enzymes. However, Mn excess is postulated to result in glutathionyl radical formation, reduction of the free glutathione pool, and increased exposure of adrenal catecholamines (e.g. dopamine) to free radical damage.

Hair Manganese (Mn) levels generally reflect actual body stores, and external contamination can influence hair Mn. Since particulate manganese-containing dust is the most common source of Mn toxicity, hair is considered to be an excellent tissue for the assessment of Mn exposure.

Manganese is a mineral that plays a key role in forming connective tissue, sex hormones, making blood clotting factors, bone health, wound healing and central nervous system function. Manganese is also essential for the absorption of calcium, as well as glucose regulation, carbohydrate, fat, cholesterol and amino acid metabolism. 

Chronic exposure to manganese (as in industrial settings) may cause effects on the central nervous system.

Toxic exposure may occur from dry cells, fungicide (maneb), and in the steel or chemical industries. Manganese is present in the coloring agents for glass and soap, in paints, varnish and enamel, and in linoleum.

It is used in the manufacturing of chlorine gas and in lead-free gasoline. Industrial manganese poisoning has been recognized since 1837.

Manganese is a mineral element that is both nutritionally essential and has the potential to be very toxic. This fact is further complicated by the small range of dosage for clinical benefit and toxicity with serious consequences. Manganese is an important factor in many critical biochemical processes including antioxidant function. The principle antioxidant enzyme within our mitochondria (energy) is superoxide dismutase and the enzymes requires manganese for optimal performance. Manganese is also required for normal skeletal development and cartilage synthesis. Wound healing is also impacted by manganese, as the synthesis of collagen in skin cells is dependent on the presence of adequate manganese. Manganese is also important functioning as a co-factor in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and cholesterol. Manganese is considered anti-osteoporotic and anti-arthritic.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element which is involved in the activation of many important enzymes. However, Mn excess is postulated to result in glutathionyl radical formation, reduction of the free glutathione pool, and increased exposure of adrenal catecholamines (e.g. dopamine) to free radical damage.

Hair Manganese (Mn) levels generally reflect actual body stores, and external contamination can influence hair Mn. Since particulate manganese-containing dust is the most common source of Mn toxicity, hair is considered to be an excellent tissue for the assessment of Mn exposure.

Whole grains (wheat germs, oats anda bran), rice, and nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, and pecans) contain the highest amount of Manganese. 

Other food sources include chocolate, tea, mussels, clams, legumes, fruit, leafy vegetables (spinach), seeds (flax, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower, and pine nuts) and spices (chili powder, cloves and saffron). 

Airborne exposure can occur through automobile exhaust, unleaded gasoline and occupational exposire (mining, welding, ferroalloy and steel industry, battery manufacturing). 

It is also present in fungicides, textile bleaching, manufacturing of glass and ceramics, paint, matches and fireworks, leather tanning, hydroquinone, potassium permanganate and other chemical production. Soil manganese concentrations can contaminate well water. 

Manganese is an essential trace mineral involved in various biological functions, including enzyme activation, antioxidant defense, bone health, and carbohydrate metabolism. Hair analysis can provide insights into long-term manganese exposure and its role in your body's metabolic balance.