CHAPTER III

THE BALANCE OF NUTRITION 77

TOPICS: Body equilibrium. Nitrogen equilibrium. Carbon equilibrium. Loss of nitrogen during fasting. Influence of previous diet on loss of nitrogen in fasting. Output of carbon during fasting. Influence of pure proteid diet on output of nitrogen. Influence of fat on proteid metabolism. Effect of carbohydrate on nitrogen metabolism. Storing up of proteid by the body. Transformation of energy in the body. Respiration calorimeter. Basal energy exchange of the body. Circumstances influencing energy exchange. Effect of food on heat production. Respiratory quotient and its significance. Influence of muscle work on energy exchange. Elimination of carbon dioxide during work and with different diets. Effect of excessive muscular work on energy exchange. Oxygen consumption under different conditions. Output of matter and energy subject to great variation. Body equilibrium and approximate nitrogen balance to be expected in health.