AVAILABILITY OF CALCIUM FROM KILKEERAI (AMARANTHUS-TRICOLOR) AND DRUMSTICK (MORINGA-OLEIFERA) GREENS IN WEANLING RATS

The present study was undertaken to determine the extent of calcium absorption in weanling rats from two types of greens rich in oxalates. The edible portions of greens namely kilkeerai (Amaranthus tricolor) and drumstick (Moringa oleifera) were analysed for moisture, calcium and total and soluble oxalates. Three groups of 6 male weanling albino rats were fed ad libitum on milk diet and two experimental diets containing greens. Urine and faecal samples were collected for a period of 7 days after 5 days of acclimatization period and were analysed for calcium. From the values obtained percent absorption and retention of calcium were calculated. Results revealed that calcium absorption and retention from milk diet (92 and 78%, respectively) were significantly higher than greens. Average calcium absorption and retention from greens diet were 75.5 and 60%, respectively. Presence of oxalates inhibited intestinal absorption of calcium.