Complex carbohydrate diets are not capable of maintaining normal plasma calcium and phosphorus levels in vitamin D-deficient rats.

Substitution of Cerelose (glucose monohydrate) for complex carbohydrate (whole wheat flour) does not alter plasma calcium levels in vitamin D-deficient rats, contrary to a previous report. It is suspected that whole wheat flour may contain traces of vitamin D that result in a slower rate of depletion than found with Cerelose diets. Vitamin D-deficient rats showing low plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels and no detectable 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in their blood show a hypocalcemia (5.6 mg/dl) and normal phosphatemia whether fed whole wheat or Cerelose diets.