A note on quantitative methods of measuring the nutritive value of proteins

Abstract

Exception is taken to the statement made by Kon (Biochem. Jour. 22: 261. 1928.) that the author''s method of determining the "biological value" of a protein is in error because of a general tendency to give higher values in periods immediately following the N-free or low-N period. Examination of all published data bearing on the point disproves the statement. It is further shown that results obtained by this method are not exactly comparable with those obtained by the method of Osborne, Mendel and Ferry, which interprets the nutritive value by gains in body weight, because the 2 methods differ fundamentally with regard to the influence of such experimental factors as food intake and digestibility of the protein.