Comparative effects of calcium deficiency and supplements on the intestinal absorption of zinc in rats

The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of calcium on zinc status. The animals were divided into four groups consisting of five rats in each group. The control group was fed on basal diet with adequate levels of zinc and calcium while the experimental group was fed diets containing different levels of calcium ad libitum for 15 d. Low calcium did not significantly affect the zinc absorption percentage but there was a decrease in high and very high calcium groups. The retention percentage changes were found parallel to the changes in the absorption percentage curve. When the zinc distribution was expressed as per g of dry tissue, duodenum, brain, and liver zinc content increased in the low calcium group but a decrease in duodenum, ileum, and liver in the high and very high calcium groups was observed. Also the 65Zn amount in some tissues and blood increased substantially in the low calcium group, decreased in the high and very high calcium groups. These results suggest that calcium affects zinc status in rats.