The metabolism of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus in children on a poor Indian diet based on maize (Zea mays)

Abstract

1. The metabolism of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus was studied in eight boys aged 9 to 10 years on a poor maize diet. The composition of the diet was similar to that consumed by the poorer classes of people in certain parts of the country. 2. All the experimental subjects maintained a positive nitrogen balance, the average daily intake and retention being 8.66 and 0.99 gm. respectively. The loss of nitrogen in the faeces was very high (3.98 gm.) and the apparent digestibility of the proteins was only 54.0 per cent. 3. The average daily intake and retention of calcium were 0.382 gm. and 0.067 gm. respectively. All the subjects maintained a positive calcium balance. 4. The average daily intake and retention of phosphorus were 1.389 and 0.340 gm. respectively. All the subjects maintained a positive phosphorus balance.