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Foetal development in rats fed AIN-76A diets supplemented with excess calcium
M E Shackelford1, T F Collins, J J Welsh
1Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC 20204.
Summary
Moderate increases in dietary calcium did not negatively impact rat development. This study found no evidence of developmental toxicity or teratogenicity from increased calcium intake during gestation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Developmental toxicology
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Dietary calcium is essential for maternal and foetal health.
- Understanding optimal calcium intake during gestation is crucial for preventing developmental abnormalities.
- Previous research indicates potential risks associated with both calcium deficiency and excess.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental effects of moderate increases in dietary calcium.
- To assess the potential foetotoxicity and teratogenicity of elevated calcium levels in rats.
- To determine if nutritionally adequate diets supplemented with higher calcium impact foetal development.
Main Methods:
- Female rats were fed diets with varying calcium concentrations (0.50% to 1.25%) before and during gestation.
- Maternal intake, weight gain, and clinical findings were monitored.
- Caesarean sections were performed on gestation day 20 to evaluate foetal development, including variations and malformations.
Main Results:
- Maternal rats consumed slightly more food at higher calcium intakes, though not always significantly.
- No dose-related changes were observed in maternal weight gain, implantation, resorption, or foetal parameters (length, weight).
- No significant increase in external, visceral, or skeletal variations was found in foetuses across different dietary calcium levels.
Conclusions:
- Moderate increases in dietary calcium carbonate within an adequate diet were not foetotoxic or teratogenic in rats.
- The tested calcium concentrations did not adversely affect maternal or foetal developmental outcomes.
- These findings suggest a safe range for moderate dietary calcium supplementation during gestation in this rat model.