Influence of Varying Levels of Dietary Minerals on the Development of Urolithiasis, Hair Growth, and Weight Gains in Rats

The study investigated the effects of varying dietary mineral levels on urolithiasis, hair growth, and weight gain in rats. A specific diet with 0.3% calcium, 1.20% phosphorus, 0.1% potassium, 0.5% magnesium, and 0.81% sodium led to a high incidence of urolithiasis within 70 days. Altering any single mineral level from this diet prevented urolithiasis. Low calcium and high phosphorus diets caused kidney damage, while low potassium diets affected hair growth patterns. Weight gains were significantly influenced by calcium, phosphorus, and potassium levels, with notable interactions between these minerals affecting growth (P < 0.01).