From: Graham Trevor Cottrell <gtc@dana.ucc.nau.edu>

Subject: Re: Protein-rich diet without calcium: Problems?

I have seen the following concept being referred to on this list a few

times now and was wondering if someone could clarify the mechanisms:

Concept: calcium is utilized in the excretion of phosphorous from a high

protein diet.

What in a high protein diet creates this abundance of phosphorous? From

what I know there is no phosphorous containing amino acids in protein. My

understanding of phosphorous excretion is that it is under the influence

of hormones such as calcitonin and that this hormone is also actively

involved in the reuptake of calcium from the distal tubules. Therefore,

how is calcium lost in this process of phosphorous excretion?

I would appreciate some clarification on this matter.

Trevor Cottrell