Protein, Calcium and Phosphorus Intakes of College Women as Indicated by Nitrogen, Calcium and Phosphorus Outputs

Abstract
Nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus outputs of twenty-five college women, eating freely chosen diets, have been determined to indicate protein, calcium and phosphorus intakes, using two periods of 4 days each. In no case were daily protein figures below the Sherman requirement, but a majority were below the Sherman standard of 70 gm. of protein per 70 kg. of body weight. Protein per 70 kg. per day averaged 62.8 gm. for the fall period and 60.7 gm. for the winter period. Calcium per 70 kg. per day averaged well above the Sherman standard of 0.68 gm., namely, 1.04 and 1.11 gm. for the fall and winter periods, respectively. Similarly, phosphorus per 70 kg. per day averaged 1.39 and 1.40 gm. for the two periods, both figures being above the Sherman standard of 1.32 gm. Figures for protein used by the twenty-five subjects give averages distinctly below accepted standards, suggesting that the majority of the subjects were consuming less protein than is often advised. While averages for calcium and phosphorus were above the accepted standards, figures for some subjects were below accepted standards, in one case the calcium figure falling below the calcium requirement. Because some of the subjects were below the desired standards, it would seem a matter of concern to include sufficient high calcium and high phosphorus foods in the diet. Whether studied subject by subject or on the basis of averages, no significant seasonal variations were found.