What is the mannose test?

The mannose test, also known as the mannose loading test, is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the body's ability to metabolize mannose, a type of sugar. It is primarily utilized in the context of investigating certain metabolic disorders or conditions related to carbohydrate metabolism, such as congenital disorders of glycosylation. During the test, a specific amount of mannose is administered, and subsequent blood or urine samples are analyzed to measure the levels of mannose and its metabolites. Abnormal results may indicate issues with mannose metabolism or related enzymatic functions.