The effect of duration of alcohol (ethanol) consumption on calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase levels in albino rat

The present study investigated the effect of duration of alcohol (ethanol) consumption on calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase levels in albino rats. Twenty (20) albino rats were randomly divided into four (4) groups (A-D). Group A received no treatment. Group B, C and D received 30% v/v ethanol (1000mg/kg, oral) daily for one week, two weeks and three weeks respectively. Serum calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase levels were evaluated using standard methods. The results showed a non-significant decrease (P>0.05) in serum calcium level after two weeks; which however increased significantly (P<0.05) after an additional week of ethanol administration. There was a steady rise in alkaline phosphatase activity from one to three weeks. There was no significant change in serum phosphate level throughout the three weeks of ethanol administration. Acute alcohol consumption may affect the levels of calcium and alkaline phosphatase in the blood but exerts no effect on phosphate level.