Calcium metabolism in normal and in hypercalciuric patients on Farnolith, a dietary fibre preparation.

In the present study Farnolith (a granular powder consisting of different dietary fibres) was given to normals (n = 6), patients suffering from absorptive hypercalciuria type I (n = 6) and to one patient suffering from renal hypercalciuria. Farnolith binds calcium and reduces the calcium absorption from the intestine. In normals the urine- and serum parameters of calcium metabolism (total- and ionised calcium, parathyroid hormone and vitamin-D-metabolites) remained unchanged. In patients suffering from absorptive hypercalciuria type I a significant reduction of hypercalciuria was found; oxalic acid excretion had decreased as well. Lowered parathyroid hormone values returned to normal, vitamin-D-metabolites remained unaffected. In one patient suffering from renal hypercalciuria parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D values increased, calcium excretion had not decreased, though. Our investigation shows that Farnolith is suitable for the treatment of absorptive hypercalciuria. Calcium homoeostasis is returned to normal by Farnolith, at the same time it does not produce secondary hyperoxaluria (as e.g. sodium cellulose phosphate). Patients with primary renal calcium loss should not be treated by Farnolith.