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The Protein Requirements of College Women on High Cereal Diets with Observations on the Adequacy of Short Balance Periods^1,2,

Three Figures

Department of Home Economics and Division of Animal Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana

Ten college girls, 19 to 30 years of age, cooperated in a study of the protein needs of adults. During an experimental period of 105 days, divided into 4 periods, the following were determined: (1) nitrogen balances on a low protein diet; (2) individual protein needs for nitrogen equilibrium and estimated "adult growth" needs when subjects received a diet in which 70% of the protein was of cereal origin; and (3) adequacy over a 10-week period of these estimated protein needs for maintenance of nitrogen equilibrium and physical well-being (as indicated by three psychomotor tests, 5 tests of preceptual and intellective function, and one test of physical endurance).

The results were as follows:

1. The average protein index (biological value x true digestibility) of the protein mixture composed of beef, bread, 20% cream, oatmeal and potatoes was 61.4 ± 2.4 for 9 subjects for whom satisfactory data were available.

2. The quantities of protein from the above protein mixture needed for nitrogen equilibrium plus the amounts calculated to be needed for "adult growth" were found to be 31.7, 35.2, 27.1, 30.2, 30.9, 26.9, 29.4, 42.2, and 20.7 gm per day for each of 9 subjects, with an average of 30.5. A requirement of 32.0 gm was estimated for a 10th subject on the basis of average utilization figures.

3. Nine of the 10 subjects were in positive nitrogen balance throughout the 10-week period during which the estimated amounts of protein were fed. The other subject, for whom the smallest indicated requirement was secured in the previous periods, showed some negative balances until the intake was increased.

4. Hematologic data and results of performance tests failed to reveal any deterioration of physiological functioning during the 10 weeks on estimated protein requirement levels.

It may be concluded from these studies: (1) that for diets of the type used, containing predominant proportions of cereal proteins, the average daily requirement for adult maintenance and growth is 31.7 ± 1.6 gm per person or 25 gm per 1000 cal. of basal heat; and (2) that the protein requirements computed from experimental periods of such length that the urinary nitrogen attains a relatively constant level are valid for periods of at least 70 days.

² Aided by a grant from General Mills, Inc.

³ Now located at the School of Home Economics, Florida State University, Tallahassee.

Manuscript received 3 September 1948.