Effect of Variable Intake on Body Composition 125 



occurs at the relative expense of soft tissue. Where this 

 relationship stops is not answered by the present data. 



While all animals are grossly similar in body composition, 

 as shown in Fig. 1, certain significant differences can be found 

 upon more detailed examination of the data. The concentra- 

 tion of ash and protein in the body water and the nature of 

 the composition of the ash are shown in Fig. 3. It is evident, 

 as has been noted, that only in the weanlings and in the low 

 protein, high electrolyte group does a significantly different 

 amount of protein per unit of water appear. 



All of the experimental data for individual constituents of 

 the body have been calculated using four reference para- 

 meters : i.e. grams or m-mole per whole body, per kilogram of 

 fat-free whole body, per kilogram of water and per 100 g. of 

 protein plus ash (fat-free dry tissue). All of these calculated 

 individual values have been compared among the four groups. 

 The following statements can be made : 



I. The Effects on the Protein Content of the Body. 



A. By Protein Intake. 



Only in those animals on the high electrolyte diets did 

 increased protein intake result in increased protein content of 

 the body on any of the enumerated bases. 



B, By Electrolyte Intake. 



In the animals on the high protein intakes, the electrolyte 

 effect was variable depending upon the reference base used 

 for calculation. In the low-protein-fed animals a high electro- 

 lyte intake reduced the protein content of the body calculated 

 on any basis. 



II. The Effects on the Mineral Content of the Body. 



A. By Protein Intake. 



On any basis of calculation, other than absolute body size, 

 the bodies of the animals fed a low protein intake, whether 

 with high or low electrolyte, contained more ash, calcium. 



