THE INFLUENCE OF PROTEIN INTAKE ON THE UREA CLEARANCE IN NORMAL MAN

Abstract

Control urea clearances were detd. while the patients received the usual ward diet containing an average of 100 gm. of protein per day; 8 clearances were detd. on 2 different days. Following the last control observation the patient was given a diet containing 9 gm. of protein per day. On the 6th day 4 clearances were determined and on the 8th day 4 more. The same procedure was followed on a high protein diet which contained 280 gm. of protein. A total of 124 clearances was determined on 5 subjects, and with 5 exceptions the urine flow was above 2 cc. per minute. The greatest reduction in the urea clearance on the low protein diet was 36% below the control and the average reduction was 23%. In creasing the protein intake above normal, however, did not result in a significant increase in the urea clearance.