Evaluation of Nutritional Adaptation in the Field: An Application of Filter Paper Method for Urinalyis

抄録

Biochemical analyses of urine specimens, which can be collected more easily than blood specimens in the field, provide information on the nutritional status of the subjects with regard to proteins and micronutrients. In particular, ingested protein passes through a body nitrogen pool and is excreted mostly into urine in the form of urea nitrogen. According to a newly developed filter paper method, in which a small amount of urine specimen (100-120μl) is adsorbed into filter paper (2.0×4.5cm) and transported to the laboratory for analysis, first-of-the-morning urine samples were collected from four Papua New Guinea populations inhabiting ecologically different environments. The measurements of their urinary nitrogen compounds (urea nitrogen and creatinine) and sodium and potassium concentrations reflected the subjects' body compositions and lifestyles including dietary habits.