Influence of dietary phosphorus restriction on calcium and phosphorus metabolism in rats

The effect of dietary phosphorus (P) on calcium (Ca) and phosphorus metabolism was studied in young female rats. P levels in the semipurified diets ranged from 0.1 to 0.4% (w/w). A level of 0.4% P in the diet is recommended for rats. Kidney calcification was observed in rats fed the 0.4%-P diet whereas P restriction prevented this condition. Rats fed the diet containing 0.1% P, showed severe hypercalciuria, hypercalcemia, reduced growth and impaired bone mineralization. These effects did not occur when the diet contained 0.2 or 0.3% of P. This study suggests that in short-term studies P in the diet of female rats can be restricted to 0.2% so as to prevent nephrocalcinosis without affecting their development.