MANGANESE INTAKE OF ADULT MEN CONSUMING SELF-SELECTED DIETS

The dietary intake of manganese (Mn) was evaluated for two groups of w orkers presumed to he exposed to different amounts of atmospheric Mn: blue-collar workers (n=28), and garage mechanics (n=37). Energy, dieta ry fibre, iran, and Mn intakes were assessed using three-day dietary r etards. No significant differences were found between the two groups, except for dietary fibre intake, which was higher in the blue collar g roup (15+/-8 vs 11+/-6 g; P=0.02). The daily mean intakes of Mn by the blue tailor workers and the mechanics were 3.7+/-2.7 mg and 2.9+/-1.4 mg, which fell within the U.S. suggested safe range of 2.0-5.0 mg/d. Twenty-five per tent of subjects received less than this range, and 15 % exceeded it. Major sources of Mn were breads and cereals (51.8%), ve getables (16.5%), and beverages (12.8%). The high content of meet, mil k products, and refined foods in the diet of these subjects explain th e majority's low daily Mn intake.