Significance Infant formulas contain considerable higher concentrations of manganese than human milk. Since very high body burdens of manganese may have toxic effects, it is important to study how well manganese is absorbed from various types of formula and how manganese status of infants is affected. Further, as manganese and iron compete for absorption, it is important to assess the effect of high manganese intake on hematology and iron status. Objectives To feed milk-based and soy-based infant formulas with different levels of manganese (35-200 ug/L) to infant monkeys from birth to 6 months of age and to study the effects on growth, manganese absorption and status, and the effects on hematology, iron absorption and status. Results Manganese and iron absorption was significantly lower from the formula with the highest level of manganese (soy formula) than from all other formulas at 6 weeks of age. At 3 months of age, however, there was no difference between the groups, suggesting that body burden of manganese does not affect manganese retention. Whole blood manganese reflected manganese intake and was highest in the group fed formula with the highest manganese level, while serum ferritin was lower in this group. Future Directions To evaluate the effect of increased levels of manganese in the body on various physiological functions. KEYWORDS manganese, manganese absorption, iron, iron status, infant nutrition
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