Fecal loss of cholecalciferol in gastrectomized rats.

Rats were gastrectomized, and the intestinal absorption and fecal excretion of cholecalciferol were studied following the administration of radioactive cholecalciferol, either by subcutaneous injection or with the aid of a gastric tube. From measurements of radioactivity in feces and sera it has been possible to establish that gastrectomy in rats results in impaired intestinal absorption and increased fecal excretion of cholecalciferol. These findings indicate that gastrectomy alters the nutritional status of vitamin D, and may explain the high incidence of osteomalacia as a complication of gastrectomy.