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Protein Metabolism of Children on Diets Extremely Low in Carbohydrates

(From the Department of Pediatrics, University of rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, N. Y.)

The extra factors governing the protein requirement of epileptic children on diets high in fat and extremely low in carbohydrate have been studied in six subjects, ranging in age from 5 years to 15 years. It has been demonstrated clearly that the protein allowance, now being used rather widely, of one gram per kilogram of body weight is far too meagre for growing children on strongly ketogenic diets. When as much as one-half to one-third of a gram of carbohydrate per kilogram of weight is being given, one and three-fourths to two grams of protein is probably adequate. More should be given when the carbohydrate intake is lower than this.

The factor chiefly responsible for the excessive demand on the protein under these conditions is the ketosis, which taxes the protein molecule for its ketolytic fraction. When sufficient base occurs in the diet to approximately neutralize the acid from its acid-forming constituents, the rate of nitrogen excretion is definitely decreased. Possible explanations for this are discussed.

The epileptic convulsion per se appears to exert very little, if any, direct effect upon the total urinary nitrogen. Possible additional uses for diets low in carbohydrate and high in fat and protein are mentioned.

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				W. R. JORDAN EPILEPSY AND CONVULSIONS IN DIABETES Arch Intern Med, November 1, 1933; 52(5): 664 - 684. [Abstract] [PDF]