Physiological economy in nutrition, with special reference to the minimal proteid requirement of the healthy man: an experimental studyChittenden, R. H. (Russell Henry)
Science
Physiological economy in nutrition, with special reference to the minimal proteid requirement of the healthy man: an experimental study
Chittenden, R. H. (Russell Henry)
Metabolism; Nutrition
Another statement made by Jaffa may be quoted in this connection,
since it illustrates the attitude taken by many physiologists on this
question. “Even if it could be proved,” says Jaffa, “by a large number
of experiments that nitrogen equilibrium can be maintained on a small
amount of protein, it would still be a great question whether or not
it would be wise to do so. There must certainly be a constant effort
on the part of the human organism to attain this condition, and with
a low protein supply it might be forced to do so under conditions of
strain. In such a case the bad results might be slow in manifesting
themselves, but might also be serious and lasting. It has also been
suggested that when living at a fairly high protein level the body is
more resistant to disease and other strains than when the protein level
is low.” While these suggestions demand careful consideration, it is
equally evident that there is another side to the question, viz., the
possible danger to the body from the physiological action of the larger
amounts of nitrogenous waste products which result from an excess of
proteid food, and which float about through the system prior to their
excretion. In addition, we must not overlook the great loss of energy to
the body in handling and getting rid of the surplus of unnecessary food
of whatever kind introduced into the alimentary tract, to say nothing of
the danger of intestinal putrefaction and toxæmia when from any cause
the system loses its ability to digest and absorb the excess of food
consumed. Further, the possible strain on the kidneys and other organs
must not be overlooked. Hence we may well query on which side lies the
greater danger. To an unprejudiced observer, one not wedded to old-time
tradition, it would seem as if great effort was being made to sustain
the claims of a high-proteid intake. It is surely well to be careful,
but it is certainly not necessary to magnify imaginary dangers to the
extent of suppressing all efforts toward the establishment of possible
physiological economy.
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