The effect of long-term increased protein administration on mineral metabolism and kidney function in the rat. II. Kidney function and bone mineralization

Abstract

In the Federal Republic of Germany the average daily protein intake exceeds the Recommended Dietary Allowances for adults (0.8 g protein/kg body weight) by about 100%. On the other hand calcium intake is below the recommendations for certain age groups. Protein-induced hypercalciuria involves the risk of depletion of skeletal calcium stores, especially for older people who have a decreased absorption capacity for calcium. As a result of our study we postulate, that an altered renal function probably is one inducing factor of hypercalciuria. While urea excretion and serum urea concentration increased with an elevated dietary protein content from 13 to 26 or 40 J%, glomerular filtration rate remained unchanged. Fractional tubular reabsorption of calcium was significantly reduced by about 3% with increased endogenous acid production and renal excretion of hydrogen ions (first part of the study), which were accompanying a higher protein intake of 40 J% compared to 13 J% protein in the control group. Increasing the phosphorus content of the diet improved the reabsorption of calcium and magnesium. The kidneys of rats fed diets high in protein and phosphorus were hypertrophied. Histology of the kidneys showed signs of glomerulonephrosis. While the calcium content of the femora was slightly reduced with a higher protein intake of 40 compared to 13 J%, the magnesium content was increased (after 61 weeks: calcium from 261.4 to 257.1 mg/g dry fat-free wt [p less than or equal to 0.05]; magnesium from 3.2 to 3.5 mg/g dry fat-free wt [p less than or equal to 0.001]). Calcium and magnesium metabolism depends not only on the level of protein intake, but also on its interrelation with the dietary phosphorus content. With continuous high protein intake higher intakes for calcium, phosphorus and magnesium should be recommended, especially for older people.