Influence of Feeding Schedule on Nitrogen Utilization and Excretion

Abstract

Summary

A normal adult in N equilibrium was given the same diet divided into 2, 3, and 4 approximately equal meals in different pericds. With a liberal protein intake (1.14 g per kg ), there was a definite indication of a higher efficiency of N utilization with 4-meal than with 2-meal schedule: but the difference was not appreciable to be of practical importance. With a lower protein intake (0.73 g per kg). no significant difference in N utilization was observed.

With the same total intake of food, the pattern of N excretion differed with different feeding schedules and with total N and water intakes. This finding casts doubt on the existence of a diurnal cycle or rhythm of N metabolism irrespective of water intake and feeding schedule.