Salt and Trace Minerals Newsletter Fall 2008 | Volume 40 Number 4

ROLE OF SODIUM DEFICIENCY AND EXCESS NITRATES IN GRASS TETANY

Larry L. Berger, Ph.D.
University of Illinois

I recently received an email from Dr. Thomas Swerczek concerning his research defining the role of sodium deficiency and excess nitrates in grass tetany. Dr. Swerczek is a veterinary pathologist in the Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky. He researched and discovered the etiology and pathogenesis
of several diseases of animals including wildlife, small animals, livestock and horses. His studies include the relationship between nutrition and infectious and metabolic diseases of livestock. Traditionally grass tetany has been described as a magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesemia. In the 1980s, it was discovered that a deficiency of sodium and excess potassium impaired magnesium absorption. Dr. Swerczek’s research now suggests that excess nitrates in the diet further deplete the sodium and cation reserves resulting in electrolyte imbalances. The purpose of this paper is to summarize our current understanding of the role of sodium and nitrates in grass tetany.