Abstract
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.