title: Do protein and phosphorus cause calcium loss?
abstract: The widespread opinion that both protein and phosphorus cause calcium loss is examined. Controlled human studies show that commonly used complex dietary proteins, which have a high phosphorus content, do not cause calcium loss in adult humans. Similarly, a phosphorus intake of up to 2000 mg/d does not have adverse effects on calcium metabolism; however, the type of phosphate contained in carbonated beverages may not behave in the same manner. In contrast, a diet low in protein and phosphorus may have adverse effects on calcium balance in the elderly. Studies with adults suggest that high protein foods do not cause calcium loss.
authors.affiliation: Metabolic Research, Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL 60141.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Spencer
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Osis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008460:Meat / Q000009:adverse effects; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins; D010758:Phosphorus; D002118:Calcium