Absorción mineral y retención ósea en ratas normales en crecimiento por el consumo de un yogur experimental reducido en lactosa que contiene galactooligosacáridos (GOS) / Mineral absorption and bone retention in normal growing rats by consumption of an experimental lactose-reduced yogurt containing galactooligosaccharides (GOS)

Introducción: Los GOS son prebióticos naturales presentes en la leche materna que pue-den obtenerse enzimáticamente a partir de la lactosa de leche de vaca durante la fabricación de yogur. El producto lácteo resultante será reducido en lactosa y contendrá prebióticos y bacterias potencialmente probióticas. Sin embargo, mantendrá la baja relación Ca/Pi que aporta la leche de vaca, lo que podría alterar el remodelamiento óseo y la mineralización. Objetivo: comparar si un yogur reducido en lactosa que contiene GOS (YE) ofrece ventajas adicionales respecto de un yogur regular sin GOS (YR) sobre las absorciones (Abs) de Ca y Pi, retención y calidad ósea durante el crecimiento normal. Al destete, ratas machos fueron divididas en 3 grupos alimentados con AIN ́93-G (C), YE o YR durante 28 días. Resultados: YE mostró el mayor aumento de lactobacilos fecales; producción de ácidos grasos de cadena corta especialmente p, profundidad de las criptas colónicas y menor pH cecal. El %AbsCa y %AbsPi aumentó en el siguiente órden: YE> YR> C (p < 0,05). El contenido de Ca y Pi en fémur, la densidad y contenido mineral óseos y los parámetros biomecánicos fueron similares en YE y C, mientras que YR mostró valores significativa-mente menores (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: YE aumentó las Abs y biodisponibilidad de minerales, alcanzando la retención y calidad ósea de C. El aumento en las Abs observado en YR no logró obtener la retención y calidad ósea de C. Conclusión: YE habría contrarrestado el efecto negativo del mayor aporte de Pi de la leche de vaca y sería una buena estrategia para lograr el pico de masa ósea y calidad del hueso adecuados, especialmente en individuos intolerantes a la lactosa. (AU)

Breast milk contains an optimal calcium/phosphate (Ca/Pi) ratio and GOS. These natural prebiotics can be enzymatically produced via cow's milk lactose inyogurt manufacture. This milk product is low in lactose and contains prebiotics and potentially probiotic bacteria but maintains a low Ca/Pi ratio that could alter bone remodeling and mineralization. We evaluated if a lactose-reduced yogurt containing GOS (YE) offers additional advantages over regular yogurt without GOS (YR) on Ca and Pi absorption (Abs), bone retention and quality during normal growth. Weaning male rats were divided into 3 groups fed AIN'93-G (C), YE or YR for 28 days. Results: YE showed the highest increase in fecal lactobacilli; short-chain fatty acids production, especially propionate and butyrate; intestine crypt depth, and the lowest cecal pH. AbsCa% and AbsPi% increased in this order: YE> YR> C (p <0.05). Ca and Pi content in femur, bone density and mineral content, and biomechanical parameters were similar in YE and C, while YR showed the significantly lowest value (p < 0.05). Conclusions: YE increased mineral Abs reaching the retention and bone quality of C. Although YR increased Abs, bone retention and quality did not achieve C values. Seemingly, YE compensated for the negative effect of the higher Pi supply and would be a good strategy to achieve adequate peak bone mass and bone quality, especially in lactose intolerant individuals. (AU)

Parenteral iron therapy and phosphorus homeostasis: A review.

Phosphorus has an essential role in cellular and extracellular metabolism; maintenance of normal phosphorus homeostasis is critical. Phosphorus homeostasis can be affected by diet and certain medications; some intravenous iron formulations can induce renal phosphate excretion and hypophosphatemia, likely through increasing serum concentrations of intact fibroblast growth factor 23. Case studies provide insights into two types of hypophosphatemia: acute symptomatic and chronic hypophosphatemia, while considering the role of pre-existing conditions and comorbidities, medications, and intravenous iron. This review examines phosphorus homeostasis and hypophosphatemia, with emphasis on effects of iron deficiency and iron replacement using intravenous iron formulations.

Nutritional Guideline for the Management of Mexican Patients with CKD and Hyperphosphatemia.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a serious concern for the Mexican population since the main predisposing diseases (diabetes, hypertension, etc.) have a high prevalence in the country. The development of frequent comorbidities during CKD such as anemia, metabolic disorders, and hyperphosphatemia increases the costs, symptoms, and death risks of the patients. Hyperphosphatemia is likely the only CKD comorbidity in which pharmaceutical options are restricted to phosphate binders and where nutritional management seems to play an important role for the improvement of biochemical and clinical parameters. Nutritional interventions aiming to control serum phosphate levels need to be based on food tables, which should be specifically elaborated for the cultural context of each population. Until now, there are no available food charts compiling a high amount of Mexican foods and describing phosphorus content as well as the phosphate to protein ratio for nutritional management of hyperphosphatemia in CKD. In this work, we elaborate a highly complete food chart as a reference for Mexican clinicians and include charts of additives and drug phosphate contents to consider extra sources of inorganic phosphate intake. We aim to provide an easy guideline to contribute to the implementation of more nutritional interventions focusing on this population in the country.

Importance of Dietary Phosphorus for Bone Metabolism and Healthy Aging.

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) plays a critical function in many tissues of the body: for example, as part of the hydroxyapatite in the skeleton and as a substrate for ATP synthesis. Pi is the main source of dietary phosphorus. Reduced bioavailability of Pi or excessive losses in the urine causes rickets and osteomalacia. While critical for health in normal amounts, dietary phosphorus is plentiful in the Western diet and is often added to foods as a preservative. This abundance of phosphorus may reduce longevity due to metabolic changes and tissue calcifications. In this review, we examine how dietary phosphorus is absorbed in the gut, current knowledge about Pi sensing, and endocrine regulation of Pi levels. Moreover, we also examine the roles of Pi in different tissues, the consequences of low and high dietary phosphorus in these tissues, and the implications for healthy aging.

Effects of available phosphorus source and concentration on performance and expression of sodium phosphate type IIb cotransporter, vitamin D-1α-hydroxylase, and vitamin D-24-hydroxylase mRNA in broiler chicks.

This experiment was conducted to examine the effect of 2 phosphorus (P) sources on broiler performance to day 14. The P bioavailability was estimated using bird performance and tibia ash measurements, whereas P digestibility, intestinal P transporter, kidney vitamin D-1α-hydroxylase, and vitamin D-24-hydroxylase mRNA abundances were also determined. Slope regression analysis was used to determine the bioavailability of dicalcium phosphate (Dical P) and nanocalcium phosphate (Nano P) with dietary available P (AvP) set to 0.20% P (control) using AvP from the major ingredients and Dical P. The experimental treatments were achieved by supplementation with either Dical P or Nano P to generate 0.24, 0.28, 0.32, and 0.36% AvP. A total of 648-day-old unsexed broiler chicks were divided into 72 birds per treatment (8 replicate cages of 9 birds). Slope regression analysis showed positive linear relationships between BW, feed intake (FI), tibia ash weight (TAW), and tibia ash percentage (TAP) with dietary Dical P and Nano P levels. Comparisons between regression slopes for Dical P and Nano P fed birds were not significantly different for BW, feed intake, tibia ash weight, and tibia ash percentage, indicating similar P bioavailability from Dical P and Nano P. There were interactions between P source and AvP for feed efficiency (FE) and apparent ileal P digestibility (AIPD). Dicalcium phosphate had greater FE than Nano P at 0.28% AvP and greater AIPD than Nano P at 0.24% AvP. The addition of AvP from Dical P and Nano P resulted in reduced sodium phosphate cotransporter mRNA abundance in the duodenum in a dose-dependent response. In the kidney, vitamin D-1α-hydroxylase mRNA abundance was greater at 0.36% Nano P compared with control, but there was no difference with Dical P. There was no difference in vitamin D-24-hydroxylase mRNA abundance between control and supplementation with Nano P or Dical P. In conclusion, Nano P and Dical P had the same bioavailability but had different effects on gene expression.

Intestinal phosphate absorption: The paracellular pathway predominates?

IMPACT STATEMENT: This review summarizes the work on transcellular intestinal phosphate absorption, arguing why this pathway is not the predominant pathway in humans consuming a "Western" diet. We then highlight the recent evidence which is strongly consistent with paracellular intestinal phosphate absorption mediating the bulk of intestinal phosphate absorption in humans.

Intestinal Phosphorus Absorption in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10% of adults worldwide. Dysregulation of phosphorus homeostasis which occurs in CKD leads to development of CKD-Mineral Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality in these patients. Phosphorus is regulated by multiple hormones (parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihyxdroxyvitamin D (1,25D), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)) and tissues (kidney, intestine, parathyroid glands, and bone) to maintain homeostasis. In health, the kidneys are the major site of regulation for phosphorus homeostasis. However, as kidney function declines, the ability of the kidneys to adequately excrete phosphorus is reduced. The hormonal changes that occur with CKD would suggest that the intestine should compensate for impaired renal phosphorus excretion by reducing fractional intestinal phosphorus absorption. However, limited studies in CKD animal models and patients with CKD suggest that there may be a break in this homeostatic response where the intestine fails to compensate. As many existing therapies for phosphate management in CKD are aimed at reducing absolute intestinal phosphorus absorption, better understanding of the factors that influence fractional and absolute absorption, the mechanism by which intestinal phosphate absorption occurs, and how CKD modifies these is a much-needed area of study.

Short communication: Effect of abomasal inorganic phosphorus infusion on phosphorus absorption in large intestine, milk production, and phosphorus excretion of dairy cattle.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) infusion on P absorption in large intestine, milk production, and phosphorus excretion. Four ruminally and ileally cannulated crossbred cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square with 21-d periods. Cows were fed a total mixed ration containing 0.21% P, providing 50% of the cows' P requirement. Cobalt-EDTA was used as marker to measure large intestine digesta flow. On d 13 to 21 of each period, each cow was infused daily with 0, 20.1, 40.2, or 60.3 g of Pi into the abomasum and total collection was conducted on d 18 to 21. Ileal samples were collected every 9 h on d 18 to 21. Feed, digesta, and fecal samples were analyzed for total P and Pi using the molybdovanadate yellow method and blue method, respectively. All data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) using contrasts to evaluate linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of Pi infusion dose. Dry matter intake, apparent dry matter digestibility, milk yield, and milk total P were unaffected by Pi infusion. Ileal flow and fecal excretion of total P and Pi increased linearly with increasing infused Pi. In the large intestine, net absorption of TP and Pi was increased linearly with increasing infused Pi. The magnitude of absorption from the large intestine was greater than reflected in current models, raising questions that could be evaluated with longer infusion periods or dietary alteration.

Phosphorus absorption and gene expression levels of related transporters in the small intestine of broilers.

To investigate the P absorption and gene expression levels of related co-transporters, type IIb sodium-dependent phosphate co-transporter (NaPi-IIb), inorganic phosphate transporter 1 (PiT-1) and inorganic phosphate transporter 2 (PiT-2) in the small intestine of broilers, 450 1-d-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly allocated to one of three treatments with ten replicate cages of fifteen birds per cage for each treatment in a completely randomised design. Chickens were fed a diet with no added inorganic P (containing 0·06 % non-phytate P (NPP)) or with either 0·21 or 0·44 % NPP for 21 d. Plasma P concentration in the hepatic portal vein, mRNA and protein expression levels of NaPi-IIb, PiT-1 and PiT-2 were determined at 7, 14 and 21 d of age. The results showed that the concentration of P in plasma in the hepatic portal vein increased as dietary NPP increased (P<0·0001). At 14 and 21 d of age, the increase in dietary NPP inhibited (P<0·003) NaPi-IIb mRNA expression level in the duodenum, as well as PiT-1 mRNA and protein expression levels in the ileum, but promoted NaPi-IIb protein expression level (P<0·002) and PiT-2 mRNA and protein expression levels (P<0·04) in the duodenum. These results suggest that NaPi-IIb, PiT-1 and PiT-2 might be important P transporters in the small intestine of broilers. Higher intestinal P absorption may be achieved by up-regulating the protein expression levels of NaPi-IIb and PiT-2 and down-regulating the protein expression of PiT-1.

Effect of low levels of dietary available phosphorus on phosphorus utilization, bone mineralization, phosphorus transporter mRNA expression and performance in growing pigs.

A study was conducted to examine the effects of different dietary levels of available phosphorus (aP) on P excretion, bone mineralization, performance and the mRNA expression of sodium-dependent P transporters in growing pigs. Sixty-day old growing pigs (n = 54) with an average initial BW of 19.50 ± 1.11 kg were randomly allocated to a control diet (C) containing 0.23% available phosphorus (aP), T1 containing 0.17% aP and T2 containing 0.11% aP. There were 6 pens per treatment with 3 pigs per pen. Body weight and feed intake were measured weekly. At the end of each week, one pig from each pen was housed in a metabolic crate for 24 h to collect fecal and urine samples and then sacrificed to obtain third metacarpal (MC3) bones and jejunal and kidney samples. Bones were scanned by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). Fecal and urine samples were sub-sampled and analyzed for P content. The expression of P transporter mRNA in jejunum and kidney samples was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Data were analyzed using GLM procedure of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute version 9.2). Pigs fed the T2 diet had reduced (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed (G:F) compared to those fed the C diet during week 2. Overall, ADG and G:F were also reduced (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the T2 diet compared to those fed the C and T1 diets. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were reduced (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the T2 diet compared to those fed the C diet throughout the experiment. At week 1, jejunal mRNA expression of Na (+)-dependent phosphate transporter 2 (SLC34A2) was increased (P < 0.01) in pigs fed the T2 diet compared to C diet. Renal mRNA expression of Na(+)-dependent phosphate transporter 1 (SLC34A1) and SLC34A3 were increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the T2 diet compared to those fed the C diet at week 2 and was accompanied by lower (P < 0.05) urinary P in pigs fed the T2 diet during week 2 and week 3. In conclusion, growing pigs are highly sensitive to low dietary P as shown by reduced ADG, bone mineralization and urinary P level, but moderate reduction in dietary P up to 0.17% aP in the diet has the potential to reduce environmental pollution by reducing P concentration in swine manure and without compromising performance.

Examining the Proportion of Dietary Phosphorus From Plants, Animals, and Food Additives Excreted in Urine.

Phosphorus bioavailability is an emerging topic of interest in the field of renal nutrition that has important research and clinical implications. Estimates of phosphorus bioavailability, based on digestibility, indicate that bioavailability of phosphorus increases from plants to animals to food additives. In this commentary, we examined the proportion of dietary phosphorus from plants, animals, and food additives excreted in urine from four controlled-feeding studies conducted in healthy adults and patients with chronic kidney disease. As expected, a smaller proportion of phosphorus from plant foods was excreted in urine compared to animal foods. However, contrary to expectations, phosphorus from food additives appeared to be incompletely absorbed. The apparent discrepancy between digestibility of phosphorus additives and the proportion excreted in urine suggests a need for human balance studies to determine the bioavailability of different sources of phosphorus.

Plant phosphates, phytate and pathological calcifications in chronic kidney disease. / Fosfatos de origen vegetal, fitato y calcificaciones patológicas en la enfermedad renal crónica.

Phytate, or myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis dihydrogen phosphate (InsP6), is a naturally occurring phosphorus compound that is present in many foods, mainly legumes, whole grains and nuts. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have cardiovascular disease mortality up to 30times higher than the general population. Vascular calcifications (VCs) directly contribute to overall morbidity and mortality, especially in CKD. In part, this high mortality is due to elevated levels of phosphorus in the blood. Therefore, control of dietary phosphorus is essential. Dietary phosphorus can be classified according to its structure in organic phosphorus (plant and animal) and inorganic (preservatives and additives). Plant-phosphorus (legumes and nuts), mainly associated with InsP6, is less absorbable by the human gastrointestinal tract as the bioavailability of phosphorous from plant-derived foods is very low. Recent data indicate that restriction of foods containing plant phosphates may compromise the adequate supply of nutrients that have a beneficial effect in preventing cardiovascular events, such as InsP6 or fibre found in legumes and nuts. Experimental studies in animals and observational studies in humans suggest that InsP6 can prevent lithiasis and VCs and protect from osteoporosis. In conclusion, we need prospective studies to elucidate the potential benefits and risks of phytate (InsP6) through the diet and as an intravenous drug in patients on haemodialysis.

Reexamining the Phosphorus-Protein Dilemma: Does Phosphorus Restriction Compromise Protein Status?

Dietary phosphorus restriction is recommended to help control hyperphosphatemia in hemodialysis patients, but many high-phosphorus foods are important sources of protein. In this review, we examine whether restricting dietary phosphorus compromises protein status in hemodialysis patients. Although dietary phosphorus and protein are highly correlated, phosphorus intakes can range up to 600 mg/day for a given energy and protein intake level. Furthermore, the collinearity of phosphorus and protein may be biased because the phosphorus burden of food depends on: (1) the presence of phosphate additives, (2) food preparation method, and (3) bioavailability of phosphorus, which are often unaccounted for in nutrition assessments. Ultimately, we argue that clinically relevant reductions in phosphorus intake can be made without limiting protein intake by avoiding phosphate additives in processed foods, using wet cooking methods such as boiling, and if needed, substituting high-phosphorus foods for nutritionally equivalent foods that are lower in bioavailable phosphorus.

Effect of a mixture of GOS/FOS® on calcium absorption and retention during recovery from protein malnutrition: experimental model in growing rats.

INTRODUCTION: During growth, protein deprivation impairs epiphyseal growth plate (EGP) height, bone volume (BV) and endochondral ossification. During catch-up growth, Ca availability becomes essential to ensure the extra amount needed to achieve optimal peak bone mass and strength. GOS and FOS improve mineral absorption in the colon. PURPOSE: The effect of a mixture of GOS/FOS® 9:1 added to a 0.5 %Ca (NCa) and a 0.3 %Ca (LCa) diets on Ca, P and Mg absorptions and bone mineralization, density and structure using an experimental model of growing rats recovering from early protein malnutrition was investigated. METHODS: To induce protein malnutrition, rats were fed a low protein diet: 4 % (LPD) during 1 week and then were randomly assigned to recovery groups (R) until day 50 (T = 50) as follows: R0.5 %: NCa; RP0.5 %: NCa + 5.3 % GOS/FOS®; R0.3 %: LCa and RP0.3 %: LCa + 5.3 % GOS/FOS®. Control groups received the 0.5 %Ca or 0.3 %Ca diet from weaning until day 40 or 50. RESULTS: Body weight and length increased in C groups throughout the study; both were arrested in all R during LPD consumption and increased immediately after re-feeding. Independently of dietary Ca content, LS counts, ß-glucosidase and Ca, P and Mg absorption increased, whereas cecum pH, ß-glucuronidase, urease and tryptophanase decreased in RP0.5 %: and RP0.3 %: as compared to the other studied groups (p < 0.01). Prebiotic consumption decreased CTX levels and increased femur Ca, Mg and P contents, total skeleton bone mineral content, proximal tibia and spine BMD, BV, EGP height and hypertrophic zone thickness, stiffness and elastic modulus as compared to recovery groups fed the prebiotic-free diets. CONCLUSION: Under the present experimental conditions, GOS/FOS® mixture induced colonic positive effects, which increased Ca, P and Mg absorption. Thus, consuming the prebiotic-containing diet resulted in an extra amount of minerals that improved bone development in growing rats recovering from protein malnutrition.

The New Nordic Diet: phosphorus content and absorption.

PURPOSE: High phosphorus content in the diet may have adverse effect on cardiovascular health. We investigated whether the New Nordic Diet (NND), based mainly on local, organic and less processed food and large amounts of fruit, vegetables, wholegrain and fish, versus an Average Danish Diet (ADD) would reduce the phosphorus load due to less phosphorus-containing food additives, animal protein and more plant-based proteins. METHODS: Phosphorus and creatinine were measured in plasma and urine at baseline, week 12 and week 26 in 132 centrally obese subjects with normal renal function as part of a post hoc analysis of data acquired from a 26-week controlled trial. We used the fractional phosphorus excretion as a measurement of phosphorus absorption. RESULTS: Mean baseline fractional phosphorus excretion was 20.9 ± 6.6 % in the NND group (n = 82) and 20.8 ± 5.5 % in the ADD group (n = 50) and was decreased by 2.8 ± 5.1 and 3.1 ± 5.4 %, respectively, (p = 0.6) at week 26. At week 26, the mean change in plasma phosphorus was 0.04 ± 0.12 mmol/L in the NND group and -0.03 ± 0.13 mmol/L in the ADD group (p = 0.001). Mean baseline phosphorus intake was 1950 ± 16 mg/10 MJ in the NND group and 1968 ± 22 mg/10 MJ in the ADD group and decreased less in the NND compared to the ADD (67 ± 36 mg/10 MJ and -266 ± 45 mg/day, respectively, p < 0.298). CONCLUSION: Contrary to expectations, the NND had a high phosphorus intake and did not decrease the fractional phosphorus excretion compared with ADD. Further modifications of the diet are needed in order to make this food concept beneficial regarding phosphorus absorption.

Short communication: Comparison of predicted dietary phosphorus balance using bioavailabilities from the NRC (2001) and Virginia Tech model.

The objective of the current work was to use digestion coefficients from the Feng et al. (2015) model (Virginia Tech model) to calculate P bioavailability of common feeds used in dairy production. Compared with the bioavailability calculated by the Virginia Tech model, using the NRC (2001) P absorption coefficient of 0.64 for forages would underestimate the bioavailabilities of alfalfa hay, alfalfa silage, corn silage, grass hay, and mixed mainly legume silage. For concentrates, using the NRC (2001) P absorption coefficient of 0.70 would overestimate the bioavailabilities of corn grain but underestimate bioavailability of high-moisture corn. Two dairy diets were formulated using nutrient values from the NRC (2001): a standard diet that includes minimal by-products, and a by-product diet that has reduced corn and soybean meal which was replaced with corn gluten feed, distillers grains, hominy feed, and wet brewers grains. For each diet, total bioavailable P was calculated using availability values from the NRC (2001) and the Virginia Tech model. Comparison of P balance (the difference between required and bioavailable P) for each diet was made using the 2 sets of bioavailabilities for a reference cow weighing 682 kg, producing 38.6 kg of milk/d (3.5% fat and 3.0% true protein, 100 d in milk), and consuming 23 kg of dry matter/d, yielding an absorbed P requirement of 59.4 g/d. The standard diet supplied 56.69 and 53.52 g of bioavailable P per day using bioavailabilities from the NRC (2001) and Virginia Tech models, respectively, resulting in a P balance of -2.71 and -5.88±0.26 g/d. The by-product diet provided 75.75 and 78.47 g/d of bioavailable P, yielding P balances of 16.35 and 19.07±0.37 g per day, respectively, using the 2 sets of bioavailabilities. Using P bioavailabilities for individual ingredients that were based on the Virginia Tech model resulted in different bioavailable P levels thus resulted in differing dietary P balances in a field setting.

The effect of transient, moderate dietary phosphorus deprivation on phosphorus metabolism, muscle content of different phosphorus-containing compounds, and muscle function in dairy cows.

Hypophosphatemia is a common finding in periparturient and anorectic cattle. Although the clinical relevance of hypophosphatemia in cattle is uncertain, it has been empirically associated with persistent recumbency, specifically in periparturient dairy cows. The objective of the present study was to determine if transient dietary phosphorus (P) deprivation over a course of 5 wk, by feeding an approximately 40% P-deficient ration to lactating dairy cows, would result in altered muscle function or muscle P metabolism severe enough to present a risk for animal health and well-being. In addition, we wanted to determine the association between the plasma phosphate concentration ([Pi]) and muscle tissue P content to assess to what extent intracellular P deprivation of muscle cells could be extrapolated from subnormal plasma [Pi]. Ten healthy multiparous, mid-lactating dairy cows received a ration with a P content of 0.18% over a period of 5 wk. Following the P-deprivation phase, the same ration supplemented with P to obtain a dietary P content of 0.43% was fed for 2 wk. Blood and urine samples were collected regularly and muscle biopsies were obtained repeatedly to determine the P content in muscle tissue. Function of skeletal and heart muscles was evaluated by electrocardiography and electromyography conducted repeatedly throughout the study. Feeding the P-deficient ration resulted in the rapid development of marked hypophosphatemia. The lowest plasma [Pi] were measured after 9 d of P depletion and were, on average, 60% below predepletion values. Plasma [Pi] increased thereafter, despite ongoing dietary P depletion. None of the animals developed clinical signs commonly associated with hypophosphatemia or any other health issues. Urine analysis revealed increasing renal calcium, pyridinoline, and hydroxypyridinoline excretion with ongoing P deprivation. Biochemical muscle tissue analysis showed that dietary P depletion and hypophosphatemia were not associated with a decline in muscle tissue P content. Electromyographic examination revealed increased occurrence of pathological spontaneous activity in striated muscles after 2 wk of dietary P depletion in several cows, which could be suggestive of neuromuscular membrane instability. No effect on heart muscle activity was identified electrocardiographically. These results suggest that counter-regulatory mechanisms were sufficient to maintain normal muscle tissue P content during transient and moderate P deprivation. Muscle function was not grossly affected, although the increased occurrence of pathological spontaneous activity suggests that subclinical neuropathy or myopathy, or both, may have occurred with ongoing P deprivation. The results presented here indicate that plasma [Pi] is unsuitable for assessing muscle tissue P content in cattle.

The impact of phosphorus on the immune system and the intestinal microbiota with special focus on the pig.

There is increasing interest in dietary ingredients that are appropriate to support digestive and immune functions, but also maintain a stable microbial ecosystem in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), particularly in weaned pigs. P is an essential nutrient for both microbes and their host, as it is involved, for example, in bone formation, energy metabolism, cellular signalling and stabilisation of cell membranes. Non-ruminant animals have limited access to phytate, the main storage form of P in plant seeds. The release of P bound to phytate requires phytase activity of plant or microbial origin, resulting in the formation of variable phosphorylated inositol phosphates (InsPs). The present review focuses on interactions between variations in dietary P supply, the immune system of the host, and the intestinal microbial ecosystem. Although results on the interaction between P and the immune system are inconsistent, several studies in different species have shown a positive impact of dietary P and phytase addition on the adaptive immune response. Recent studies with pigs suggest that P supply may influence intestinal microbial composition and activity. Individual InsPs or phosphate may also affect properties of pathogenic micro-organisms, such as metabolism or virulence. In conclusion, P may be considered as part of an integrated approach to support immune functions and maintain a stable microbial ecosystem in the GIT, thereby providing a barrier against potential pathogens. Within this regard, differences in phytate-P content and intrinsic phytase activity of plant feedstuffs, as well as the formation of individual InsPs, have to be taken into account.

Quantitative relationships between standardized total tract digestible phosphorus and total calcium intakes and their retention and excretion in growing pigs fed corn-soybean meal diets.

An experiment was conducted to determine the quantitative relationships between standardized total tract digestible P (STTD P) and total Ca intakes with their retention and excretion by growing pigs fed corn-soybean meal diets. Forty-eight crossbred barrows (BW = 22.7 ± 2.9 kg) were allotted to 1 of 8 diets, housed individually in pens for 3 wk, and then moved to metabolism crates and allowed 4 d for adaptation and 5 d for collection of urine and fecal samples. Eight corn-soybean meal diets were formulated for similar NE, fat, and AA concentrations but to increase the STTD P from 0.16 to 0.62% using monocalcium phosphate. Dietary treatments were formulated for a constant Ca:STTD P ratio (2.2:1). The STTD P intake increased (P < 0.001) from 64 to 242% of the daily requirement (4.59 g/d of STTD P). Fecal and total excretion of P and Ca were linearly associated with mineral intake (P < 0.001). Constant urinary P excretion of 0.03 g/d P was observed, but at 4.96 g/d of STTD P intake, the urinary P excretion increased (P < 0.001). In contrast, Ca excretion in urine decreased (P < 0.001) with Ca intake, but constant excretion of 0.40 g/d Ca was reached at 17.97 g/d of Ca intake. The daily intakes of STTD P and Ca moderately explained the variation in urinary excretion of P (R2= 0.41) and Ca (R2= 0.64). The absorption and retention of P increased linearly (P< 0.001) with dietary P intake, whereas absorption and retention of Ca showed a quadratic response (P < 0.001). Absorption and retention of P and Ca were highly predictable from the STTD P and Ca intakes, with of 0.87 and 0.90, respectively. The femur mineral content (FMC) increased by 2.71 g with STTD P intake (P < 0.001) but reached a plateau (29.54 g of FMC) at 8.84 g/d of STTD P intake. The FMC was highly predictable from the STTD P intake (R2 = 0.89). The FMC affected the urinary P excretion ( P< 0.01), but moderately (R2= 0.19) explained the variation in urinary P. In conclusion, constant excretion of P in urine was observed but excretion increased linearly at STTD P intake levels above the requirement for maximum growth of growing pigs. The FMC increased with STTD P intake, but a plateau was reached at a STTD P intake level above the requirement. Dietary STTD P was used for growth and accumulated in bones until a plateau was reached and excess was excreted in urine. The predictability of P and Ca excretion in urine from the dietary STTD P and Ca intakes was moderate.

Effect of dietary phosphorus on intestinal phosphorus absorption in growing Holstein steers.

The effect of dietary P intake on intestinal P absorption was evaluated in growing Holstein steers. Diets varying in P content (0.15, 0.27, 0.36, and 0.45%, DM basis) were fed to 8 steers (174±10kg of BW) fitted with permanent duodenal and ileal cannulas in a replicated 4×4 Latin square with 14-d periods. Ytterbium-labeled corn silage and cobalt-EDTA were used as particulate and liquid phase markers, respectively, to measure digesta flow. Duodenal and ileal samples and spot urine samples were collected every 9 h from d 11 to 14. Total fecal collection was conducted on d 11 to 14 with fecal bags. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vessel on d 14. Feed, digesta, and fecal samples were analyzed for total P and inorganic P. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS with a model including treatment, square, period, and interaction of treatment and square. Preplanned contrasts were used to evaluate linear and quadratic treatment effects. Results were reported as least squares means. Dry matter intake (mean=4.90kg/d, 2.8% of BW) and apparent DM digestibility (mean=78.1%) were unaffected by treatment. Duodenal and ileal flow of total P increased linearly with increasing P intake (13.4, 18.5, 23.0, and 27.4g/d; 6.80, 7.87, 8.42, and 10.4g/d). Increasing P intake increased the quantity of P absorbed from the small intestine linearly (6.96, 11.1, 14.6, and 17.2g/d), but absorption efficiency was unchanged (mean=59.6%). Phosphorus was absorbed on a net basis from the large intestine, but this was not affected by treatment and was a small proportion of total P absorption. Blood inorganic P increased linearly with increased dietary P (4.36, 6.31, 7.68, and 8.5mg/dL) and salivary P secretion was unchanged (mean=5.79g/d), suggesting that rumen function was prioritized during short-term P deficiency. These data showing an absence of change in absorption efficiency and salivary P secretion in the face of short-term P deficiency may be used to improve published models of P digestion, absorption, and metabolism.