Dietary calcium and vitamin D: risk factors in the development of atherosclerosis in young goats.

Effects of supplemental dietary calcium and vitamin D on lipid distribution and aortic mineralization were examined in young goats. Twenty-four goats, 2-4 wk of age, were allotted one of four dietary treatments for a 20-wk period and fed a basal milk diet (Basal), a calcium-supplemented diet (Basal + Ca), a cholecalciferol-enriched diet (Basal + D3) or a diet with both calcium and cholecalciferol (Basal + Ca + D3). Goats in the Basal + Ca group had plasma cholesterol concentrations that were 16.6% of those of the Basal group. Percentage absorption and fecal excretion of total lipids were unaffected by dietary treatment. Generally, total lipid and cholesterol concentrations were unaltered in liver, other viscera and carcass tissues. Dietary cholecalciferol increased concentrations of cholesterol and total lipid in aortas, whereas dietary calcium decreased total lipids in aortas. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium and total ash were increased in aortas by dietary treatment, with a marked increase observed in the Basal + Ca + D3 group. Sudan IV and gross calcium staining in aortas revealed both lipid and mineral deposition that confirmed composition data. A high intake of vitamin D accompanied by excessive intake of calcium seems to accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. Supplemental calcium with normal amounts of vitamin D, however, is hypocholesterolemic and seems protective against the atherogenic process.