Acceptance of minerals and other compounds by calcium-deprived rats: 24-h tests

We measured 24-h spontaneous intake of four to eight concentrations of 31 different solutions by groups of rats fed control or low-calcium diets. Relative to controls, those fed low-calcium diet had increased acceptance of one or more concentrations of sodium chloride, sodium acetate, and sodium bicarbonate, but not sodium gluconate. Differences in palatability between these sodium salts were unimportant because the rats fed low-calcium diet consumed more sodium chloride even if this was made less acceptable by adulteration with citric acid. The possibility that calcium-deprived rats have an enhanced general cation or mineral appetite was supported by findings of increased acceptance of one or more concentrations of nine of ten chloride minerals tested (aluminum chloride, ammonium chloride, ferric chloride, ferrous chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, strontium chloride, zinc chloride). However, there were no differences in acceptance of any concentration of cesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, or lead acetate. Moreover, calcium-deprived rats drank more hydrochloric acid and malic acid than did controls. Thus the effect of calcium deficiency on intake was not confined to minerals. Acidity or bitterness did not appear important because there was no difference between the groups in intake of sulfuric acid, citric acid, or quinine hydrochloride. Consistent with the exacerbating effects of phosphates on calcium deprivation, deprived rats had decreased intakes of phosphates (sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate). However, they also had decreased intakes of sucrose and saccharin. It is clear that calcium deprivation does not induce a general increase in acceptance of all taste solutions, but there appears to be no simple explanation for what these animals consume.