The use of a physiologically acceptable manganese (II) compound and an uptake promoter in the form of one or more amino acids for the manufacture of an MRI contrast composition for oral administration and MRI examination of the liver in a ratio of Mn to promoter higher than that at which coordination compounds between Mn and promoter are formed to substantial degree is described; and an MRI contrast medium composition for such use; MRI contrast medium kit; and a method for imaging of a mammalian liver using such contrast medium composition are provided.