Effects of short-term supplementation of erythritol-salt on urinary electrolyte excretion in rats

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to investigate the diuretic effects of Erythritol (ET) salt on urinary electrolyte excretion in Sprague-Dawley Rats. Methods: Animals were divided into two groups: Salt group (n = 7) and Salt + ET fed group (n = 7). Animals were provided food and water ad libitum. Supplements were administered orally to animals for one week. Results: Body weights were not statistically different between groups either on Day 1 or Day 7. However, water consumption of the Salt + ET group was significantly higher than that of the Salt group on Day 1 and Day 7. Urine volume of the Salt + ET group was approximately 27% and 38% higher than that of the Salt group on Day 1 and Day 7. In addition, we found that the total amounts of urinary electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, of the Salt + ET group were significantly higher than those of the Salt group on Day 7. We also found that serum electrolyte concentrations did not differ between two groups. These results demonstrated that salt intake with ET was effective in increasing urinary electrolyte excretion, which might be caused by higher water intake and diuretic effect inhibiting reabsorption of water, sodium, and potassium in renal tubules. Conclusion: The results suggest that short-term supplementation of ET salt can be a potential diuretic agent by inhibiting sodium and potassium reabsorption and inducing loss of water.