Peroral xylitol increases intestinal calcium absorption in the rat independently of vitamin D action.

The absorption of 45Ca from the diet in the presence of xylitol was investigated with 28 adult male rats. The supplementation of the diet with 10% xylitol for 3 weeks augmented the urinary excretion of 45Ca 2.5-fold p less than 0.001), but did not affect the urinary excretion of sodium. The concentration of calcium in the serum remained unchanged. The serum levels of vitamin D metabolites [1,25-(OH)2D; 24,25-(OH)2D, and 25-(OH)D] did not correlate with the augmentation of Ca absorption. The diuretic effect of xylitol and the complex formation between polyols and calcium in rat intestine were considered responsible for the changes in calcium metabolism.