Plasma Manganese Levels in the Very Low Birth Weight Infant Are High in Early Life

Abstract

Plasma manganese levels were determined at birth and then serially to 3 months of age in 40 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (mean birth weight 1,027 g). Mean plasma manganese concentration was 3.6 micrograms/l at birth and 3.0 micrograms/l at 3 months of age. These levels were approximately 3-fold greater than those of a group of 9 adults analysed using the same methods (mean 1.1 micrograms/l). Manganese was also measured in parenteral nutrition fluids, breast milk and 3 preterm formulas. There was no relationship between manganese intake and plasma manganese concentration.