Intraduodenal delivery of intrinsically and extrinsically labelled CaCO3 in the rat: effect of solubilization on calcium bioavailability.

The dissolution of CaCO3 before intraduodenal administration was found to be an important factor determining calcium (Ca) bioavailability. Extrinsically and intrinsically labelled 47CaCO3 preparations were sequentially dissolved by serial additions of HCl. Aliquots of these preparations were collected before (no HCl added) and during the solubilization process and administered intraduodenally to rats. Whole body 47Ca retention 72 h post-dose was used as a measure of Ca bioavailability. Although dissolution of CaCO3 significantly increased Ca bioavailability (P < 0.001), Ca from both intrinsically and extrinsically labelled CaCO3 was absorbed and retained to some extent without prior acid dissolution. Due to a disproportionately high concentration of 47Ca on the particle surface, extrinsically labelled 47CaCO3 overestimated bioavailability when unsolubilized or partially solubilized CaCO3 preparations were used (P < 0.05). These data indicate that dissolution is a determining factor for Ca bioavailability from CaCO3. Incomplete dissolution will significantly limit but not completely prevent Ca bioavailability. The disintegration and dissolution characteristics of commercial CaCO3 preparations, which vary widely, may produce important differences in Ca absorption.