Formic acid enhances apparent digestibility of minerals:

Solubility and digestability of Phosphorus increased by formic acid.

The ADC ( apparent digestability coefficient ) of magnesium and calcium also showed a significant (P< 0.05) increase with the acidification of diet by formic acid.


Sorce:
www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2095.1997.00041.x?cookieSet=1&journalCode=anu

This study was conducted on rainbow trout, but I see no reason why it would not hold true also in Horned Lizards ( the effect of formic acid on P & Ca. solubility should be the same ). If this is true, then the Horned Lizard may have a significant advantage in proper growth and prevention of MBD ( with proper Ca:P balance offered ) over other lizards, through a diet of Pogonomyrmex harvester ants.
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"A man that should call everything by it's right name, would hardly pass the streets without being knocked down as a common enemy." The Complete Works of George Savile, First Marquess of Halifax 1912,246

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