Effects of protein intake on intestinal absorption and bone mineral metabolism in growing rats

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass, excessive loss of minerals and protein contents in bone. The effects of protein intake on mineral utilization in the body and bone metabolism in the femur were investigated in growing male rats. The apparent intestinal absorption of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium and their retention in the body and weight of femur and humerus increased linearly with dietary concentrations of 5, 10, 20, and 30% casein diet in growing male rats. Femur on 5% casein diet was significantly higher in concentrat_ion of calcium, was significantly lower in calcium content and breaking forth than those of other groups. Hence, dietary protein deprivation resulted in slow bone growth and weak bone strength. These findings indicated that protein intake during the crucial years of peak bone mass development is important for the prevention of osteoporosis.