Protein requirement of young adult Nigerian females on habitual Nigerian diet at the usual level of energy intake.
A short-term N balance study was conducted in twelve healthy female adults aged 21-32 years to determine their protein requirement. Four dietary protein levels (0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 g protein/kg per d) were used. Energy intake of the subjects was kept constant at 0.18 MJ/kg per d. All subjects maintained their normal activity throughout the study period. N excretion was determined from the measurements of N in a total collection of urine, faeces, sweat and menstrual fluid for each dietary period. N balance during the four protein levels were -15.15 (SD 5.95), -5.53 (SD 6.71), +6.15 (SD 4.76) and +12.05 (SD 8.63) mg N/kg per d for 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 g protein/kg per d respectively. The calculated average N requirements from regression analysis was 76.0 (SD 3.37) mg N/kg per d (0.48 g protein/kg per d). The estimate of allowance for individual variation to cover the 97.5% population was 95 mg N/kg per d (0.6 g protein/kg per d). The net protein utilization (NPU) of the diet was 0.55. When compared with a similar study with men, there was a significant difference in the protein requirement between sexes. Thus, the unjustifiable sex difference in the protein allowance recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University (1985) Expert Consultation group must be reviewed.
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Department of Human Nutrition, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
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D000328:Adult; D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000652:urine; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009753:Nutritive Value
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D003404:Creatinine; D009584:Nitrogen