Human Intolerance to Bacteria as Food

Abstract

DEMANDS for new means to solve man's nutritional needs when the pressure of population intensifies or when he attempts to travel in space have suggested the use of single cell organisms as food. Hydrogenomonas eutropha, a hydrogen-fixing bacterium, could effectively control the atmosphere of a space cabin as well as providing nourishment1. The protein is of high biological value2 and is well tolerated even in high concentrations in rat diets3. Human feeding trials seemed warranted and were attempted.