The Violence Research Foundation created the Mothers’ Awareness Project in California to inform society about the hazards inherent with ingesting excess manganese through infant formulas. We believe every child is born with the right to receive healthy and safe nutrition. Manganese levels, such as those found in soy-based infant formula, as well as many milk-based formulas, can range from 80 to as much as 200 times the amount of manganese found in mother’s breast milk. Although manganese is an essential nutrient, it is potentially highly neurotoxic when present in excess of biological needs. Research indicates that a diet supplying excessive amounts of manganese, coupled with the naturally high rate of manganese absorption in infants, is associated with the destruction of the dopamine neurotransmitter. The dopamine neurotransmitter is responsible for “executive” function, and research demonstrates that damage can lead to the development of attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, memory loss, and aberrant, violent behavior.

This Foundation believes that ingestion of toxic levels of manganese must be eliminated from infant’s diets, especially during the first 6 months of life. A concerted effort must be made to make expectant mothers and fathers aware of the considerable body of published scientific research suggesting the possibility of dopamine neurotransmitter destruction from such exposure. We propose that educational efforts begin at the junior high and high school level, continuing in OB/GYN and pediatricians’ offices, and on to hospitals and birthing centers. We believe that mothers have a right to know about this potential hazard to their child’s health when making the decision to breast or formula feed their infants. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has been aware of this potential hazard for many years.

For over 20 years, the Violence Research Foundation has sponsored research, legislation and education in California to raise public awareness of this serious health threat. We intend to eliminate the feeding of excessive manganese-laden infant formula to babies under 6 months of age. The Mothers’ Awareness Project will accomplish this in California, and ultimately worldwide.

There are people and organizations world-wide dedicated to improving the lives and health of infants and children. Dr. Francis M. Crinella and Dr. Chicz-DeMet, as well as Dr. Cynthia Kern are among University of California researchers that have discovered a possible link between high levels of manganese, a mineral found in soy-based infant formulas, and the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder later in life. Dr. Naomi Baumslag’s book Milk, Money, and Madness provides parents and health professionals with the information they need to fully appreciate and advise about this critical life choice. By reviewing the history, culture, biology, and politics of breastfeeding, Milk, Money, and Madness gives the reader a more complete understanding of the uniqueness of breastfeeding. Dr. Mercola has posted many article on his website over the past few years on the subject of manganese and soy infant formulas. His latest is entitled Warning: Please Avoid Feeding This to Your Child. Dr. David Goodman has written several articles about the research suggesting high concentrations of manganese found in soybean-based infant formula may lead to brain damage in infants and altered behaviors in adolescents. Baby Milk Action works to provide safe and adequate nutrition for infants through the protection and promotion of breastfeeding and by ensuring the proper use of breastmilk substitutes, when these are necessary. Ban the Bags is a national campaign to stop infant formula companies marketing in maternity hospitals. Mothering Magazine was founded in 1976, and is independently owned and regularly features articles on infant feeding, health, lifestyle and parenting issues.