Protein requirements of preschool children: obligatory nitrogen losses and nitrogen balance measurements using cow's milk
Torún, B.; Cabrera-Santiago, M.I.; Viteri, F.E.
Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutricion 31(3): 571-585
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-0622 PMID: 7344645 Document Number: 168920
Nitrogen balance was estimated for 10 children on average 23 months old, given 4 different amounts of cow's milk. For the 5 children in whom they were estimated, the mean obligatory losses of N were in faeces 19.5 and in urine 34.0 mg/kg bodyweight daily. Loss of N in faeces was 0.38, in urine 0.64 and the total obligatory losses, in faeces, urine and sweat and as skin, were 1.11 mg/kcal basal energy. The last 2 of those losses were less by 32% and 45% than the 1971 FAO/WHO estimates. Mean N requirement found by factorial calculations using a correction factor of 1.3, and by N balance methods, was N 98 mg or milk protein 0.61 g/kg daily, 33% less than the FAO/WHO estimates. Depending on the allowance made for variation between persons, safe intake of protein was 0.79 to 0.94 g/kg daily, 33 to 21% less than FAO/WHO recommendations. Apparent digestibility was 80% and true digestibility was 94% of milk protein.