114 



THE PROTEIN ELEMENT IN NUTRITION 



intake was exceedingly low. Chittenden, experimenting on 

 himself, was able to maintain himself in nitrogenous equilibrium 

 on 37 to 40 grammes protein, and 1,539 to 1,613 gross calories 

 ( = 0-64 to 0-70 grammes protein, and 27 to 28 calories per kilo 

 of body weight). 



The following table from v. Noorden* summarizes a few of 

 these observations : 



In practically all these experiments the conditions were 

 artificial, and do not correspond to those of everyday life. They 

 were only carried out over short periods, so that it might reason- 

 ably be argued that the results would not hold good for long 

 periods and under natural conditions. 



It was reserved for Chittenden, as v. Noorden expresses it, 

 " to replace such laboratory experiments by a truly physiological 

 one on a large scale, and to furnish complete evidence in favour 

 of the view that a low protein intake is not only sufficient, but 

 efficient, for the bodily requirements." 



Chittenden himself has been cited as "a monument of 

 fidelity " to his own views, and is certainly very greatly endowed 

 with the courage of his convictions. For over seven years he 

 has subsisted on a diet remarkable for its low level of protein 

 intake, and as yet without suggestion of anything but benefit 

 to his health and efficiency. He maintains that his health, 

 general physical condition, and mental power, have all alike 

 benefited by the change to a diet poor in nitrogen. This experi- 

 ment is absolutely unique, as accurate observations have been 

 made at intervals during this long period of years to determine 

 any signs of inadequacy, or any ill-effects on the health, strength, 

 and capacity for work. Indeed, Chittenden is disposed to think 



* v. Noorden, "Physiology of Metabolism," p. 300. 



