Abstract
The effects of dietary protein restriction on mineral and bone metabolism are uncharacterized. We studied growing rats fed a diet low in protein (5%) for 4, 6, and 8 wks (n = 10 animals/group) and compared them with animals pair-fed with a protein-replete (18%) diet. The low-protein diet rapidly induced a profound hypocalciuria that persisted for ≥ 8 wk. Serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations were not affected but serum total and free 25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations as well as gastrointestinal calcium absorption were lower in the low-protein animals. Skeletal dimensions were reduced in the protein-deprived rats but there were no significant differences in bone mineral content between control and low-protein animals at 4, 6, and 8 wks. Hence, dietary protein deprivation resulted in slower growth but bone mineral density was maintained when there was a marked reduction in urinary calcium excretion.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 314-319 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | American Journal of Clinical Nutrition |
Volume | 56 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1992 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Bone
- Calciuria
- Protein
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- Nutrition and Dietetics