Influence of dietary carboxymethylcellulose on the apparent absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in rats

The effect of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) on the apparent absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus was studied in rats. Male rats were fed purified diets containing either no CMC, 2, 4 or 6% CMC (w/w) for 2 weeks. The experimental diets had no differential effect on growth of the rats. It was found that CMC at a level of 2% lowered apparent calcium and magnesium absorption by 5 and 15% units, respectively. Apparent phosphorus absorption was significantly raised by 5% units when CMC was fed at a level of 2%. For the three minerals different dose-response relationships were seen for the level of dietary CMC and mineral absorption.