Effect of a High Phosphorus Diet on Acid-Base Balance in Guinea Pigs.

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Abstract
More than 200 guinea pigs were used to study the effect of a high P diet on acid-base balance. The rate of growth, blood inorganic P, urine pH and plasma CO2 capacity were used as indices of the balance. The urine pH was the most sensitive index and was used to determine the relative values of Na, K, Mg and Ca for maintenance of a positive balance. These cations were of about equal value on an equivalent basis, but a combination of Na or K and Mg gave the highest growth response. Guinea pigs do not excrete appreciable quantities of ammonia in the urine even when under stress from an acid diet. Hence, there is rapid depletion of the base reserve when an acid-type diet is consumed.