Effect of a high protein (meat) intake on calcium metabolism in man

The effect of a high protein (meat) intake of 2 g/kg on the calcium excretions and retention and on the intestinal calcium absorption was studied in man. In the control study the protein intake averaged 1 g/kg. The studies were carried out during a low calcium intake of 200 mg/day and a normal calcium intake of 800 mg/day. Two additional studies were carried out during a calcium intake of 1100 mg/day and one during a 2000 mg calcium intake. During the high protein-low calcium intake and during the 800 mg calcium intake the urinary calcium did not significantly increase. It increased moderately in two studies during the higher calcium intakes, however, these excretions decreased with time to control levels. The lack of a significant increase of the urinary calcium in the majority of the studies is probably due to the higher phosphorus content of the high protein intake. The calcium absorption, determined with 47Ca, the fecal calcium and calcium balances did not differ significantly during the high protein intake. In studies carried out during a low protein (meat) intake of 0.5 g/kg the urinary calcium changed little and the fecal calcium, the 47Ca absorption, and the calcium balance remained unchanged.