The Influence of minerals and protein on the nephrocalcinosis potential for rats of semisynthetic diets

Nephrocalcinosis is a common finding in rats, particularly in females fed a semisynthetic diet. In the present study groups of rats were fed a semisynthetic diet with varying levels of minerals and with lactalbumin instead of casein as the protein source. Adjustment in the Ca, P, and Mg content of the diet caused a marked decrease in renal calcification. The change of protein source alone led to a complete disappearance of calcium deposits in the kidneys.