Evidence for a Phosphorus-Depletion Syndrome in Man

Antacids can impair phosphorus absorption in man. The long-term results of such impaired absorption are not fully appreciated despite knowledge of the vital role of phosphorus in life processes and the serious results of its depletion in animals. To determine depletion in man, studies were performed in three normal subjects and three patients with parathyroid dysfunction during prolonged treatment with antacids. It was found that a syndrome of phosphorus depletion characterized by hypophosphatemia, hypophosphaturia, increased gastrointestinal absorption of calcium, hypercalciuria, increased resorption of skeletal calcium and phosphorus, and debility, with anorexia, weakness, bone pain and malaise, can be produced by prolonged treatment with nonabsorbable antacids such as magnesium-aluminum hydroxides.