[Studies of calcium metabolism in normal persons and patients with hypercalciuria in relation to therapy with the dietary fiber preparation Farnolith].
Farnolith (a dietary fibre preparation) was given to normal patients (n = 6) with absorptive hypercalciuria type I (n = 6) and to one patient with renal hypercalciuria. Farnolith binds calcium and reduces calcium absorption in the intestines. In normal subjects, the urine and serum parameters of calcium metabolism (total and ionized calcium, 1.25-dihydroxy-vitamin D) were unchanged. In absorptive hypercalciuria type I, a significant decrease in calcium excretion was achieved; oxalate excretion decreased as well. Low PTH values normalized; vitamin-D metabolites were not affected. In renal hypercalciuria, PTH and 1.25 DHCC were increased, whereas hypercalciuria persisted. Our investigations show that Farnolith is a reasonable treatment for absorptive hypercalciuria. Calcium homeostasis is rendered normal by Farnolith without producing secondary hyperoxaluria as sodium cellulose phosphate. Patients with primary renal calcium leakage and secondary hyperparathyroidism should not be treated with Farnolith.