Effects of very restrictive high-protein diets with special reference to the nitrogen balance.

Since the introduction of restrictive hig protein diets in 1967, systematic studies have focused on the conditions necessary to reach an equilibrium of the nitrogen balance. These conditions appear to be: an intake of at least 55 g for women (75 g for men) of proteins of good biological value; an intake of about 1 g of potassium; more than 1.5 1 of water. Such a diet results in a decrease in energy expenditure at rest and during moderate physical effort, but not during maximal or submaximal efforts. The author does not prescribe this diet for more than three consecutive weeks.