Metabolic balance of manganese in young women

Abstract

1. Metabolic balance studies of manganese were made on four young women, using brilliant blue and chromic oxide as faecal markers.2. Mn concentrations in food, faeces and urine were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.3. No difference in Mn concentrations was obtained between dry-ashing and wet-digestion for removal of organic matter from food or from faeces.4. Retentions of 0.05–0.46 mg Mn/d were obtained. Dermal and menstrual losses were not measured or allowed for.5. Unlike most other Mn balance studies reported, the retentions obtained were consistent with the accepted size and stability of the body pool of Mn in healthy adult subjects.