钙、磷摄入对骨代谢及骨组织形态影响的研究进展

骨代谢始终贯穿于动物的生命过程之中,而机体摄入的钙、磷水平和钙、磷比例又是骨代谢的重要影响因素。钙、磷摄入水平和比例的改变会使甲状旁腺激素（PTH）、降钙素（CT）和1α,25-双羟维生素D3[1,25-（OH）2D3]的水平产生变化,影响RANK／RANKL／OPG系统对骨细胞功能的调控,进而对骨代谢及骨组织形态产生影响。骨唾液酸蛋白（Bone Sialoprotein,BSP）是目前评价成骨细胞分化和骨骼矿化情况的新指标,研究BSP表达水平的变化规律,可以从分子水平解释钙、磷摄入水平和比例对骨组织形态影响的机理。而骨组织形态计量学（Bone Histomorphometry）则是研究钙、磷摄入水平和比例对骨组织形态影响的重要方法。     

纳米珍珠粉对大鼠钙吸收利用的影响

目的研究纳米珍珠粉对大鼠钙吸收利用的影响,并比较纳米和微米珍珠粉对大鼠生长发育和骨钙水平作用的差异。方法出生21d断乳SD大鼠100只,喂养低钙饲料2周。随机分为5组,雌雄各半,Ⅰ～Ⅱ组分别为微米珍珠粉低、高剂量组,喂饲饲料为低钙饲料混合不同剂量的微米珍珠粉;Ⅲ～Ⅳ分别为纳米珍珠粉低、高剂量组,喂饲饲料为低钙饲料混合不同剂量的纳米珍珠粉;Ⅴ组为低钙对照组,喂饲低钙饲料;另取10只SD大鼠为实验本底组(即Ⅵ组),Ⅵ组于实验开始前处死。实验期为4周。结果2个不同剂量的纳米珍珠粉组的大鼠体重、股骨干重及长度、钙吸收率、钙存留率均高于2个相应剂量的微米珍珠粉组,且差异有显著性(P<0.05)。结论纳米珍珠粉能够被大鼠很好地吸收利用,具有增加骨钙含量的功能,在钙吸收利用作用方面明显优于微米珍珠粉。     

维生素A对养成期草鱼生长性能以及骨骼中钙磷含量变化的影响

实验旨在探究养成期草鱼对饲料中维生素A的需求及维生素A对养成期草鱼的骨骼中钙磷含量的影响。选取养成期（254.6±0.5）g草鱼420尾,随机分为7组,每组3个重复,每个重复20尾。分别用维生素A含量为89、732、1129、2378、4688、7218和9802 IU/kg的等氮等能实验饲料喂养84d。实验结果表明:（1）饲料中添加4688 IU/kg的维生素A显著提高了养成期草鱼的特定生长率（P < 0.05）,并显著降低了饲料系数（P < 0.05）,但饲料维生素A含量对鱼体摄食率、成活率以及肝脏指数没有显著影响（P>0.05）。（2）饲料添加维生素A对鱼体粗蛋白、粗脂肪、灰分没有显著影响（P>0.05）,但是9802 IU/kg组的鱼体水分显著低于其他实验组（P < 0.05）。（3）饲料中4688 IU/kg的维生素A显著提高血清中超氧化物歧化酶的活性（P < 0.05）,但饲料维生素A水平对血清丙二醛、钙、磷含量以及碱性磷酸酶活性没有显著影响（P>0.05）。（4）饲料添加4688和7218 IU/kg的维生素A能显著提高草鱼头骨和脊椎骨中灰分以及钙、磷含量（P < 0.05）。在实验条件下,以特定生长率、饲料系数以及血清SOD活性为评价指标,通过折线分析得出养成期草鱼适宜维生素A的需求量分别为3184和3077 IU/kg。     

蜜蜂人工代用花粉中适宜钙磷水平的初步研究

钙磷是蜜蜂饲粮中必需的常量元素。为了探讨蜜蜂人工代用花粉中适宜的钙磷水平,本试验选取蜂王、群势基本一致的意大利蜜蜂Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola 70群,随机分为14个组,每组5群蜂,前12组饲喂采用均匀设计法配制的不同钙磷水平的人工代用花粉。第13组饲喂不加钙磷的人工代用花粉为负对照,第14组饲喂纯油菜花粉为正对照。试验从春繁开始,到刺槐流蜜期结束为止。试验期间测定蜂群的采食量、蜂群群势、幼蜂初生重,成蜂蜂体组织内钙磷含量。结果表明:当人工代用花粉中钙磷水平分别为0,0.65%时,蜂群的采食量、蜂群群势、幼蜂初生重均取得最大值;成蜂蜂体组织内钙含量与人工代用花粉中钙磷含量成正相关,成蜂蜂体组织内磷含量与人工代用花粉中钙磷含量之间没有相关性。     

富集钙磷的草原植物

在家畜营养中,钙磷的生理功能具有十分重要和密切的关系,它们常以磷酸钙的形式存在于骨骼中,其含量可占家畜矿物质总量的65％以上。对许多种家畜来说,不仅对钙磷含量的高低有一定要求,而且要求二者保持一定比例。一般来说,钙磷的正常比例多在2:1—1:1之间。假如家畜饲料中长期缺乏钙磷,或者这种比例不当,许多家畜表现出异食癖,奶牛产奶量下降,且易罗致软骨病。放牧家畜所需要的钙磷主要来自天然牧草,所以草原植物中钙磷的含量对家畜营养十分重要。     

低磷饲料中添加α-酮戊二酸对松浦镜鲤生长性能、体成分和血清生化指标的影响

试验旨在研究低磷饲料中添加α-酮戊二酸(α-ketoglutarate, AKG)对松浦镜鲤(Cyprinus carpio Songpu)生长性能、体成分和血清生化指标的影响。选取平均体重为(6.67±0.14) g的松浦镜鲤630尾, 随机分成7组, 每组3个重复。分别投喂有效磷0.73%的正常磷饲料和有效磷0.47%的低磷饲料, 在低磷饲料中分别添加0、0.4%、0.8%、1.2%、1.6%、2.0% (干物质含量)的AKG, 配制成等氮等能饲料, 试验期为8周。结果表明: 低磷组饲料系数(FCR)显著高于正常磷组(P<0.05), 但增重率(WGR)、特定生长率(SGR)、蛋白质效率(PER)、脏体指数(VSI)及肥满度(CF)差异不显著(P>0.05); 与低磷组比, 0.4%AKG组FCR显著降低(P<0.05), 1.6%AKG组血清磷、白蛋白含量(ALB)显著增加(P<0.05); 0.8%AKG组谷草转氨酶(AST)活性和1.20%AKG组谷丙转氨酶(ALT)活性显著高于正常磷组(P<0.05); 添加不同水平AKG对血清其他指标无显著影响(P>0.05)。与正常磷组相比, 低磷组粗灰分含量、骨钙含量和钙磷沉积率显著降低(P<0.05); 与低磷组相比, 添加不同水平AKG磷沉积率显著增加(P<0.05), 0.4%AKG组, 骨钙含量显著增加(P<0.05), 0.8%AKG组, 骨磷含量显著增加(P<0.05); 低磷饲料添加AKG对其他体成分指标无显著影响(P>0.05)。由此得出, 低磷饲料中添加适量的AKG可以降低FCR, 提高松浦镜鲤脊椎骨钙磷含量。     

氨基酸螯合钙增加骨密度作用的实验研究

为探讨氨基酸螯合钙的增加骨密度作用,实验设低、中、高三个剂量组,另设一个低钙对照组和一个碳酸钙对照组,以200、400、1200mg/kg·bw(相当于人体推荐剂量5、10、30倍)剂量的氨基酸螯合钙给大鼠灌胃13wk,饮用去离子水和摄食低钙饲料,测定大鼠身长、股骨重量、股骨钙含量及骨密度钙表观吸收率等相关指标.结果实...     

饲料中铜、钙水平对大黄鱼幼鱼生长、抗氧化酶及脂代谢酶活性的影响

为研究钙对摄食高铜饲料的大黄鱼幼鱼生长性能、抗氧化酶类及脂代谢酶类活性的影响,研究采用22双因子实验设计,配制了4组实验饲料,共包含2个铜水平(4和24 mg/kg)和2个钙水平(0.5%和3%),分别命名为: -Cu-Ca、+Cu-Ca、-Cu+Ca和+Cu+Ca,饲喂大黄鱼幼鱼[(4.050.31) g]10周,每个处理组设置3个重复。结果表明,高铜组(+Cu-Ca和+Cu+Ca)实验鱼的存活率、终末体质量和增重率显著低于低铜组(-Cu-Ca和-Cu+Ca)(P0.05); 高铜组实验鱼肝脏和肌肉中的铜含量显著高于低铜组,而高钙组(-Cu+Ca和+Cu+Ca)实验鱼肌肉中的铜含量却显著低于低钙组(-Cu-Ca和+Cu-Ca)(P0.05); 高铜组实验鱼肝脏中的糖原含量显著低于低铜组(P0.05); 实验鱼肝脏中的超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化物酶、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶、6-磷酸葡糖酸脱氢酶、异柠檬酸脱氢酶和脂肪酸合成酶活性,高铜组显著低于低铜组,而高钙组却显著高于低钙组,但硫代巴比妥酸反应物含量和脂蛋白脂肪酶活性正好相反(P0.05); 饲料中铜和钙的交互作用显著影响了实验鱼肌肉中的铜含量、硫代巴比妥酸反应物含量、6-磷酸葡糖酸脱氢酶、脂肪酸合成酶和脂蛋白脂肪酶活性(P0.05)。研究表明,钙能够缓解摄食高铜饲料对大黄鱼幼鱼造成的伤害。     

蛇骨粉中活性钙在动物体内吸收和利用的研究

目的 探讨蛇骨粉中活性钙在动物体内的吸收和利用情况。方法 以蛇骨粉为钙源饲料喂养大鼠,以低钙、碳酸钙、全脂奶粉喂养大鼠作为对照;喂养大鼠28天,动物单笼饲养,自由饮水,自由进食,逐日记录饲料摄取量,每4天称重1次。实验结束前4天做代谢实验,收集粪尿。实验结束时断头取血,测血清钙、磷及碱性磷酸酶,同时采双侧股骨,剔净肌腱,测股骨中Ca、P含量,计算钙存留。结果 蛇骨粉组股骨钙的存留率、活性钙在体内的吸收率和存留率与碳酸钙和全脂奶粉组无显著性差异（P＞0.05）。结论 以蛇骨作为活性钙来源在动物体内的吸收利用较好,能有效地补充钙质。     

低分子硫酸软骨素在兔软骨修复过程中对IL-1β、TNF-α和TGF-β及钙磷的影响 和TGF-茁及钙磷的影响*

摘要目的：探讨低分子量硫酸软骨素(CS)在兔软骨修复过程中对于IL-1β、TNF-α和TGF-β及血液中钙磷含量的影响。方法：36 只成年新西兰大白兔，随机分成6 组，分别为对照组、模型组、低分子量CS低剂量组、低分子量CS 高剂量组、高分子量CS低剂 量组、高分子量CS高剂量组，每组6 只。通过在实验兔股骨髁关节面部位，钻出直径3mm，深度3mm的缺孔，造成其关节软骨的 缺损。术后次日给予药物进行灌胃，每日1次，5 周后取材。采用酶联免疫法测定关节液中IL-1β、TNF-α和TGF-β的含量，同时用 全自动生化分析仪及其配套的试剂盒来测定兔血清中钙，磷含量。结果：低分子量CS 和高分子量CS都能够减少关节液中炎性因 子的含量和增加TGF-β的含量，且与模型组相比具有统计学意义(P<0.05)；同时低分子量CS 与高分子量CS相比效果较好 (P<0.05)；而高低剂量之间无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与模型组相比，给予CS的组别，其血清中的钙磷含量相对较少(P<0.05)，但都高 于对照组。结论：高、低分子量的CS都可以增加TGF-β的含量，降低IL-1β、TNF-α和血清中钙、磷的含量。而对于软骨修复，这可 能是通过对上述因子的影响，从而产生积极的作用。     

Effect of dietary calcium: Phosphorus ratio on bone mineralization and intestinal calcium absorption in ovariectomized rats

We investigated the effect of dietary calcium:phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio on bone mineralization and intestinal Ca absorption in ovariectomized (OVX) rat models of osteoporosis and sham-operated rats. Thirty 12-wk-old female Wistar rats were divided into three groups of OVX rats and three groups of sham rats. Thirty days after the adaptation period, OVX rats and sham rats were fed a diet formulated Ca:P, 1:0.5, 1:1 or 1:2 (each diet containing 0.5% Ca), respectively for 42 d. In both sham and OVX rats, serum osteocalcin, a marker of bone turnover, was increased by decreasing Ca:P ratio (1:2). In contrast, rats fed the Ca:P = 1:0.5 diet (dietary P restriction) suppressed the increased serum parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin and urinary deoxypyridinoline, and increased Ca absorption in both sham and OVX rats compared to the Ca:P = 1:1 and 1:2 diets. Especially, in OVX rats, the decreased bone mineral density of the fifth lumbar was also suppressed when rats were fed the Ca:P = 1:0.5 diet. These results indicated that the elevation of dietary Ca:P ratio may inhibit bone loss and increase intestinal Ca absorption in OVX rats.     

Reduction in Dietary Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio Reduces Bone Mass and Strength in Ovariectomized Rats Enhancing Bone Turnover

To clarify the effects of the dietary calcium (Ca)/phosphorus (P) ratio on bone mineralization under the condition of estrogen deficiency, Wistar strain female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) at 12 weeks old. At 16 weeks old, the rats were divided into three dietary groups fed varying levels of P containing 0.5% Ca: 0.25% P, Ca/P=2; 0.5% P, Ca/P=1; and 1.0% P, Ca/P=0.5 respectively. This study indicates that the reduction of the dietary Ca/P ratio impairs trabecular bone turnover accompanying the acceleration of bone formation in OVX rats.     

Moderate/subclinical calcium deficiency attenuates trabecular mass,microarchitecture and bone growth in growing rats

Adequate dietary calcium (Ca) intake is essential for bone accretion, peak bone mass (PBM) attainment, bone quality and strength during the mammalian growth period. Severe Ca deficiency during growing age results in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and poor bone quality and strength. However, the impact of moderate Ca deficiency during rats early growth period on bone health and the reversibility with supplementing calcium later in adult life remains unclear. Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (postnatal 28th day, P28) were initiated either with a moderate calcium-deficient diet (MCD, 0.25% w/w Ca) or a control diet (0.8% w/w Ca, control group) till P70. Thereafter, MCD rats were continued either with MCD diet or supplemented with calcium diet (0.8% w/w Ca, calcium supplemented group, CaS) till P150. Another group (control rats) were fed 0.8% w/w Ca containing diet from P28 till P150.MCD group, as compared to the control group, had significantly reduced serum ionized Ca and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) at P70 while no significant change was observed in serum corrected Ca, inorganic phosphate (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and urinary C-terminal telopeptide of collagen 1 (CTX-1), Ca, and P. Femoral and tibial metaphysis in MCD rats had significantly reduced linear growth, cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD), trabecular microarchitecture (BV/TV%, trabecular thickness, separation and number, structural model index and connectivity density), cortical thickness, and bone stiffness despite the absence of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Continued MCD at P70–P150 results in persistence of compromised bone strength while calcium supplementation (CaS group) improved all the parameters related to bone strength and microarchitecture. Our results indicate that uncorrected moderate/subclinical calcium deficiency in growing rats can result in poor bone quality and strength despite the absence of SHPT. This finding could have relevance in children with poor calcium intake in childhood and adolescence.     

Influence of maternal dietary calcium levels on milk zinc, calcium and phosphorus contents and milk production in rats

The aim of this study was to analyze zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) contents in milk and the lactational performance in rats fed different Ca levels. Female Wistar rats were fed during pregnancy and lactation with experimental diets containing 20% protein and high (0.90%, HCa), normal (0.60%, NCa) or low (0.20%, LCa) Ca levels. Milk samples were collected after 15 days to determine the milk mineral composition. Pup weight was recorded from birth to weaning (litter size: 6-8 pups) to determine weight gain and calculate milk production. At delivery there were no significant differences in the body weight of the pups between the groups, but at day 15, the LCa group showed lower values than both NCa and HCa groups (p<0.05). The weight gain of the LCa group was significantly lower than of the HCa and NCa groups, between delivery and day 5 (p<0.05). This reduced rate of weight gain led to the LCa group reaching weaning weight later than the other groups. Milk production (g/pup/day) was significantly lower when dams were fed the LCa than the NCa and HCa diets (p<0.05). There were no significant differences among the groups in milk Ca, P and Zn levels and Ca/P ratio. The body mineral composition of the pups at birth did not differ between the groups; at weaning, however, both LCa and HCa groups had lower element contents than the NCa group (p<0.05). In conclusion, dams fed with a diet containing low Ca levels produced smaller volumes of milk and their pups reached weaning weights later than the other groups. As the milk mineral composition was not affected, it can be hypothesized that in dams fed low dietary Ca, the smaller milk yield might have been a way of maintaining milk quality. High Ca levels affected neither pregnancy outcome nor lactational performance.     

姜黄素对抗高脂饮食诱导SD大鼠血脂水平升高及改善血管内皮依赖性舒张功能的研究

目的：观察高脂饮食对SD大鼠血脂水平及胸主动脉环舒张功能的影响及姜黄素对以上改变的影响。方法：健康SD大鼠30只,分高脂饮食组（10只）、正常饮食对照组、高脂饮食＋姜黄素组（10只）,大鼠行适应性饲养1周后分别给予高脂饮食及正常饮食;于实验开始时、10周及实验结束前测各组大鼠体重,20周后取血测定血清血脂浓度,取胸主动脉测定血管环舒张功能。结果：①高脂饮食喂养的大鼠体重明显高于其他各组大鼠,姜黄素可明显对抗高脂饮食导致的体重升高。②与对照组比较,高脂饮食组TC、TG、LDL-C明显升高（P〈0.01和P〈0.05）;③与正常对照组及姜黄素对照组比较,高脂饮食组胸主动脉环的内皮依赖性舒张功能显著减弱（P〈0.05）。结论：①SD大鼠给予高脂饮食后使大鼠血脂水平明显升高,胸主动脉环内皮依赖性舒张功能显著减弱。②姜黄素具有防治高脂饮食导致的血脂升高及改善高脂饮食导致的血管内皮依赖性的舒张功能减退。     

The effect of restriction of dietary calcium on trabecular and cortical bone mineral density in the rats

This study aimed to investigate effects of restricted calcium intake on cortical and trabecular bone density in white rats. Low Ca diet was fed for six weeks, and bone density and bone metabolism parameters were assessed in blood. This study was carried out on 12 male white rats aged 12 weeks (Sprague-Dawley; SD). These rats were bred for 1 week and randomly assigned to the standard calcium diet group (SCa group, n = 6) and the low calcium diet group (LCa group; n = 6). The SCa group was given a modified AIN-93M mineral mix (with 0.5% Ca), which was made by adding calcium to a standard AIN93 diet, and the LCa Group was fed a modified AIN-93 Mineral mix (with 0.1% Ca). Femoral BMD and BMC were measured by DEXA in each rat. After trabecular bone was separated from cortical bone, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) was measured using pQCT. Serum Ca and P levels were measured as parameters of bone metabolism, and S-ALP, S-TrACP and-Dpd levels were also measured. The results revealed no significant differences in weight, growth rate, feed consumption and feed efficiency between the two groups before and after calcium-restricted diet (p > .05). No significant differences were also observed in bone length and bone mass between the two groups (p > .05). Although bilateral femoral BMDs were not significantly different between the two groups, bilateral femoral BMCs significantly decreased in the LCa group, compared with the SCa group (p = .023, p = .047). Bilateral cortical MDs were not significantly different between the two groups, either. However, trabecular BMD significantly decreased in the LCa group, compared with the SCa group (p = .041). U-Dpd and S-TrACP levels significantly declined in the LCa group, compared to the SCa group (p = .039, p = .010). There were no significant differences in serum Ca and P levels between the two groups (p > .05). However, a significant decrease in urinary Ca level (p = .001) and a significant increase in urinary P (p = .001) were observed in the LCa group, compared to the Sca group. These findings described that six-week low calcium diet led to decreased trabecular bone density, reduced urinary excretion of Ca and increased urinary excretion of P. As a result, Ca hemeostasis can be maintained.     

低钙透析液联合醋酸钙对血液透析患者高磷血症的影响

目的：研究低钙透析液联合醋酸钙治疗对血液透析患者血磷、血钙及甲状旁腺激素iPTH水平的影响。方法：将30例维持性血液透析患者随机分为试验组和对照组,在试验期间所有患者均低磷饮食,两组透析液钙浓度均为1．25mmol／L,试验组同时给予醋酸钙治疗,对照组不应用醋酸钙治疗,三个月后观察和比较两组患者的血钙、血磷及血iPTH水平的变化。结果：治疗前,两组各组血磷、血钙、血磷和血iPTH的水平比较差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。治疗后,对照组血钙水平明显下降（P〈0．05）,血iPTH水平略上升但无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,血磷水平无显著变化（P〉0．05）;试验组血iPTH水平略下降（P〉0．05）,血钙水平无明显变化（P〉0．05）,但血磷明显下降（P〈0．05）;且试验组血磷水平较对照组明显下降（P〈0．05）,血钙水平显著高于对照组（P〈O．05）,但在正常范围内,两组血iPTH水平比较无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论：低钙透析液联合醋酸钙治疗可有效降低血液透析患者的血磷水平,且不会导致高钙血症的发生。     

Amelioration in Growth and Phosphorus Assimilation of Poultry Birds Using Cell-Bound Phytase of Pichia Anomala

Summary Cell-bound phytase of Pichia anomala was produced in glucose–beef extract medium in shake flasks and in a laboratory fermenter at 25 °C for 24 h at 250 rev/min. In the fermenter the biomass production increased and the fermentation time was reduced from 24 to 16 h. Two-week-old broiler chicks were fed with the biomass-supplemented feed [at 100 g/7.5 kg; 50-phytase units/bird/day]. The overall weight gain in the biomass-fed chicks was higher (90.2%) than that of the control group (77.7%). The biomass incorporation in the feed of broiler chicks also resulted in a better phosphorus retention (29% in the control, and 73.68% in the biomass-fed) in the body, consequently an improved growth. There was a decrease in the excretion of phosphorus in the faeces of the chicks fed with phytase-supplemented diet (188.9 mg/g dry matter) as compared to the chicks fed on unsupplemented broiler finisher ration (509.4 mg/g dry matter). This eliminated the need to supplement phosphorus in their diet and also reduced phosphorus pollution. The feed conversion ratio was also lowered for chicks, which were biomass-fed as compared to the control.     

Phosphorus requirements and optimum calcium/phosphorus ratio in the diet of mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.) fingerlings

An experiment was conducted to investigate phosphorus requirements and the optimal calcium/phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio on growth and carcass tissue composition of mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala (c. 6 g). Five purified diets were formulated to contain Ca/P ratios of 1 : 0 (0.35 : 0), 1 : 1 (0.35 : 0.35), 1 : 2 (0.31 : 0.63), 1 : 3 (0.24 : 0.71), and 1 : 4 (0.19 : 0.75), respectively. Growth performance and feed conversion ratio of mrigal responded significantly (P < 0.01) to the Ca =0.19 : P = 0.75 diet. Carcass protein, lipid, and P percentage also increased significantly with the higher P level. Based on this study, it may be concluded under the given conditions that the optimum Ca : P ratio in mrigal feed is 0.19 : 0.75.     

Calcium exacerbates the inhibitory effects of phytic acid on zinc bioavailability in rats

BackgroundComplementary feeding of breastfed infants with foods high in bioavailable zinc (Zn) can help meet physiological requirements for Zn. Some infant cereals contain high concentrations of phytic acid (PA) and calcium (Ca) that may reduce absorbable Zn.ObjectivesThis study measured PA, Zn and Ca concentrations in selected infant cereals sold in Canada and investigated the effects of dietary PA and Ca at concentrations present in infant cereals on Zn bioavailability in rats.Methods and resultsMale Sprague-Dawley rats (36-day old) were fed a control diet containing normal Zn (29.1 mg/kg) and Ca (4.95 g/kg) or six test diets (n = 12/diet group). Test diets were low in Zn (8.91–9.74 mg/kg) and contained low (2.16–2.17 g/kg), normal (5.00–5.11 g/kg) or high (14.6–14.9 g/kg) Ca without or with added PA (8 g/kg). After 2 weeks, rats were killed and Zn status of the rats was assessed. PA, Zn and Ca concentrations in infant cereals (n = 20) differed widely. PA concentrations ranged from undetectable to 16.0 g/kg. Zn and Ca concentrations ranged from 7.0–29.1 mg/kg and 0.8–13.4 g/kg, respectively. The [PA]/[Zn] and [PA × Ca]/[Zn] molar ratios in infants cereals with detectable PA (16 of 20 cereals) ranged from 22–75 and 0.9–14.9 mol/kg, respectively, predicting low Zn bioavailability. Body weight, body composition (lean and fat mass), right femur weight and length measurements and Zn concentrations in serum and femur indicated that diets higher in Ca had a more pronounced negative effect on Zn status of rats fed a PA-supplemented diet. Addition of PA to the diet had a greater negative effect on Zn status when Ca concentration in the diet was higher.ConclusionThese results show that, in rats, higher concentrations of dietary Ca and PA interact to potentiate a decrease in bioavailable Zn and may suggest lower Zn bioavailability in infant cereals with higher PA and Ca concentrations.