Effects of various levels of dietary calcium during pregnancy on maternal calcium utilization and fetal growth in rats.

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Abstract
The effects of Ca-free and normal (0.6%) and high (1.0%) Ca diets on the transfer of Ca from pregnant mothers to fetuses were investigated by balance experiments. Pregnant rats receiving Ca-free, normal and high Ca diets ate 353, 324 and 280 g of the diet, respectively, during pregnancy, and the food consumption of the latter 2 groups decreased near term. The group on Ca-free diet maintained pregnancy and produce normal fetuses by using Ca resorbed from the dam''s bones. The Ca retentions due to pregnancy in rats on normal and high Ca diets were 116 and 128 mg, respectively, during the first 15 days, and -9 and -109 mg, respectively, during the last 6 days of pregnancy. Fetuses contained .apprx. 130 mg of Ca at term and most of this Ca was supplied from the dam''s bones, in which extra Ca were retained during early-mid pregnancy. The true rate of Ca absorption was appreciably lower during late pregnancy than during early-mid pregnancy in both dietary groups. Extra Ca retention during early-mid pregnancy seemed to be physiological adaptation to a decrease in food consumption or Ca absorption during late pregnancy. P absorption and its balance were examined in relation with the dietary Ca levels.

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