Bony demineralization following urinary intestinal diversion.

The effect of urinary intestinal diversion on bone mineral metabolism was investigated in 78 rats. The animals were divided into sham-operated controls and diverted animals. The diverted animals were given either no supplement, sodium bicarbonate or ascorbic acid for an eight month period. Dual photon densitometry and bone mineral content were determined. Urinary intestinal diversion resulted in a minimal systemic acidosis and little alteration in baseline renal function but a significant decrease in bone calcium content. Oral bicarbonate and ascorbic acid administration prevented the demineralization.