Manganese in Infant Formula
Manganese in Infant Formula
The Violence Research Foundation has co-sponsored four animal studies at the University of California, Davis; three rat and one primate. These studies were conducted to address concerns about exposure to the high levels of manganese in soy based infant formula, which is known to be able to destroy the dopamine neurotransmitter. The scientists reported on all four studies that significant destruction of the dopamine neurotransmitter had taken place in all four groups, which received manganese equal to that found in soy based infant formula. The newborn primate study results were presented Dr. Mari Golub before the California Assembly Public Safety Committee, chaired by Assemblyman Mark Leno in November 2004. In addition to Dr. Golub, other leading experts in the field of manganese toxcity and it's affect on behavior also testified. The topic of the hearing was "Is there a relationship between elevated manganese levels and violent behavior?” and a 2 hour summary of the hearing is available for viewing here.
Studies
Neurobehavioral evaluation of rhesus monkey infants fed cow's milk formula, soy formula, or soy formula with added manganese
Dr. Mari Golub, et al
![[download pdf]](/files/vrf/images/pdficon.gif)
ViewThe possible neurobehavioral effects of excess manganese in soy formula were studied. This experiment suggests that components of soy formula, including manganese, may influence brain development as reflected in behavioral measures.
The newborn primate study results were presented by Dr. Mari Golub before the California Assembly Public Safety Committee, chaired by Assemblyman Mark Leno in November 2004. The topic of the hearing was "Is there a relationship between elevated manganese levels and violent behavior?”
Effect of High Dietary Manganese Intake of Neonatal Rats on Tissue Mineral Accumulation, Striatal Dopamine Levels, and Neuro....
Dr. Trinh T. Tran, et al
ViewRecent reports of high manganese levels in hair of children with neurodevelopmental deficits suggest that these deficits could be to manganese-induced neurotoxic effects on brain dopamine (DA) systems. Infant formulas contain considerably higher concentrations of manganese than human milk. Thus, formula-fed infants are exposed to high levels of manganese at a time when manganese homeostasis is incompletely developed.
Effects of Neonatal Dietary Manganese Exposure on Brain Dopamine Levels and Neurocognitive Functions
Dr. Trinh T. Tran, et al
ViewNeonatal exposure to high levels of manganese has been indirectly implicated as a causal agent in attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), since manganese toxicity and ADHD both involve dysfunction in brain dopamine (DA) systems.
Trace Element Absorption in Infants as a Foundation to Setting Upper Limits for Trace Elements in Infant Formulas
Dr. Bo Lönnerdal, et al
ViewAn infant’s ability to efficiently absorb trace minerals, such as iron, zinc, copper and manganese from their food source is influenced not only by the form in which the minerals are presented but also by the presence of nutrients like lactoferrin which is present in human breast milk. Bioavailability is the degree to which, or the rate at which, a substance is absorbed or becomes available at the targeted place in the body. An upper limit for the concentration of a trace element in infant formula should be founded on the bioavailability of that element from formula with the provision of a “reasonable” safely margin.
Does soy-based infant formula cause ADHD?
Dr. Frank Crinella
ViewAttention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent of all childhood neuropsychiatric conditions. Studies indicate that the core defect in ADHD is an atypical functioning in the brain’s dopamine (DA) system. Given the evidence that manganese affects DA systems, investigators hypothesize a causal relationship between neonatal exposure to soy-based infant formula and ADHD.
