Comparative biological value of the proteins comprising the products for the tube and regular feeding of patients with mandibular fractures

: A comparative clinical evaluation was made of the biological effectiveness of protein components in the composition of three types of diet for patients with fractures of the mandible who had received "Ensure" (USA), a product for complete tube feeding; an experimental sample developed at the Institute of Nutrition, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR; and a routine clinical diet. The biological effectiveness of the proteins was estimated by some anthropometric and biochemical parameters as well as on the basis of nitrogenous metabolism in the patients. It has been established that the protein content in the routine clinical diets does not meet the high requirements in amino acids of patients with fracture of the mandible. In this respect the products for tube and dietotherapy have proved to be effective and completely provide the need of such patients in essential amino acids that has been evidenced by the results of the investigations conducted.