RATIONS iT 
ever, since it contains so much more energy than glucose in propor- 
tion to its bulk, is particularly well adapted for storage in our bodies 
as reserve material; and what is absorbed from our food needs to 
undergo scarcely any change before being laid away. 
These differences in usefulness between fats and carbohydrates 
have been well expressed by comparing the latter to ready cash, and 
the former to money in a savings bank. This helps us to under- 
stand the benefit which pedestrians and bicyclists derive from the 
use of sweet chocolate. The large proportion of sugar (about 50%) 
yields up its energy immediately in time of need, while the consider- 
able proteid offers material for the repair of muscular loss, and the 
abundant oil remains as a more slowly available reserve. 
Likewise, the special craving which young people have for sweets, 
receives at once its explanation and justification when we remember 
the extraordinary activity which belongs properly to their period 
of life. It needs to be pointed out, however, that the quantity of 
carbohydrate eaten should be strictly proportioned.to the amount 
of bodily activity; for otherwise there will be left in the system an 
excess of sugar, which may either go to produce an unhealthy 
accumulation of fat, or by undergoing acid decomposition, seriously 
disorder the digestive organs. Too much sweet food and too little 
exercise is one of the commonest causes of indigestion and obesity. 
44. Rations. Recent experiments indicate that the needs 
of an average man would be fully met by a daily ration of 
300 grams of carbohydrate, 50 grams of fat, and 50 grams 
of proteid.’ 
This gives of nitrogenous material sufficient to cover an average 
daily loss of about 8 grams of nitrogen, and of carbonaceous fuel 
1 More or less variation from the above figures would of course be 
required to meet the needs of different ages, sexes, constitutions, and 
occupations. A discussion of such details cannot well be undertaken 
in this place. It should be said, however, that physiologists of the 
highest standing now admit that former estimates of the body’s needs 
based upon records of the amount commonly consumed are too high for 
maximum efficiency. The standard which has been most generally 
adopted by American writers on nutrition calls for 125 grams of proteid, 
with sufficient fat and carbohydrate to yield a total of 3,500 Calories as the 
daily ration for a man at moderate muscular work. These figures were 
derived mainly from observation of what many healthy Americans 
actually eat, and are admittedly but rough approximations erring rather 
on the side of excess than deficiency. Good health is undoubtedly 
maintained on such an allowance, but this, of course, is no proof that 
eating somewhat less would not conduce to even better health and greater 
vigor. A very liberal allowance would be 400 grams of carbohydrate, 
and 100 grams each of fat and proteid for an average man. 
