The Role of Vitamin D in the Utilization of Phytin Phosphorus

Abstract

The effect of vitamin D on the utilization of calcium phytate phosphorus and on inorganic phosphorus has been studied in the rat. The addition of vitamin D to a ration containing nearly optimum inorganic phosphorus had little or no effect on phosphorus utilization as indicated by bone ash studies. However, the addition of vitamin D to a ration containing calcium phytate greatly enhanced phosphorus utilization. Therefore, in the presence of adequate vitamin D, bone ash values indicated that the calcium phytate phosphorus was almost as effectively utilized as the inorganic phosphorus. The phytase content of the small intestines of rats fed calcium phytate and varying amounts of vitamin D showed no difference in phytase activity. Apparently vitamin D was not necessary for phytase formation. It is suggested that vitamin D functions in a secondary role in the utilization of phytin phosphorus.