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Journal of Nutrition Vol. 99 No. 3 November 1969, pp. 353-362
Copyright © 1969 by American Society for Nutrition
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Effect of Intestinal Microflora on Calcium, Phosphorus and Magnesium Metabolism in Rats1

Bandaru S. Reddy, J. R. Pleasants and B. S. Wostmann

Division of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Lobund Laboratory, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana

The effect of intestinal microflora on the absorption, excretion, retention and tissue distribution of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium was investigated. Weanling germfree and conventional rats were fed a steam-sterilized semipurified diet or a Millipore-filtered liquid diet until 115 days, and balance studies were carried out for 10 days. Neither germfree status nor the diets used appreciably influenced serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium levels. Both germfree conditions and feeding of liquid diet increased apparent absorption of calcium and magnesium. There was no difference in phosphorus absorption between germfree and conventional animals, but feeding of liquid diet resulted in higher absorption. Urinary excretion and net retention of both calcium and magnesium were increased in germfree rats. Urinary phosphorus excretion was decreased in germfree rats causing an increase in retention values. The results also indicate a higher calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentration of the femur in germfree rat, but the ratios among these minerals were similar. No difference in the mineral composition of kidneys was observed between germfree and conventional rats. These data clearly suggest that the presence of microflora in the gut influences the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

1 Supported by Public Health Service Research Grant no. AM-11300 from the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases and no. HD-00855 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Manuscript received 4 April 1969.




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