Abstract
The effects of the dietary protein content on plasma amino acid concentration in postabsorptive state was studied.
Fifteen healthy men, aged 18-22 were given standard protein diet (1.11-1.18g protein/kg body weight, 42-45 Cal/kg B.W.) for 7-10 days, and then were fed protein free diet, low protein diet (0.37g protein/kg B.W.) or high protein diet (2.49g protein/kg B.W.) for 14 days.
The results obtained were as follows:
On protein free diet and low protein diet, there was a fall in the essential amino acids in plasma compared with standard diet, especialy branched chain amino acids and threonine. Alanine, glycine and taurine concentration in plasma remained relatively constant and the E/N ratio was decreased. However the degree of fall in the E/N ratio was same in protein low and free diets. While high protein diet did not effect on the plasma free amino acid concentration except glycine.
It was discussed whether the E/N ratio in plasma can be used in the evaluation of protein nutritional status.
