The counteraction by fat of the anticalcifying action of cereals

Abstract

A diet consisting of f wheat flour (brown or white), and with a low Ca and vit. D content, produced rickets in young rats in 33 days. Addition of 11% lard to this diet prevented rickets while increasing the rate of growth. Olive oil had a similar but less complete protective action. The explanation is offered that the so-called anticalcifying action of cereals, which causes rickets on such a diet, is due to interference with the intestinal absorption of Ca which is restored to normal by the presence of fatty acids.