Modulated nitrogen intake for patients on low-protein diets

In order to overcome malnutrition and poor palatability associated with long lasting low-protein intakes, a diet was devised based on modulated nitrogen intake and energy supply of at least 188 KJ/kg a day. Each patient underwent three different regimens (A, B, C) of protein intake. In period A, the protein intake was 0.33 g/kg a day. In period B, the patients were given 0.33 g/kg a day during day 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 1.00 g/kg a day during day 4 and day 7 of the week. In period C the daily protein intake was the mean of the weekly value from day 1 to 7 of period B. Data obtained show that in period A the urea appearance rate was equal to that in period B and lower than that in period C. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 33: 1638-1641, 1980.