Abstract
The pattern of free aminoacids in the plasma of children with kwashiorkor and marasmus has been studied. In the untreated forms of both these conditions, there is a fall in the essential aminoacids—particularly leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Other aminoacids, especially tyrosine, are also affected; but the non-essential aminoacid, glycine, is raised. The degree of fall in the aminoacid concentration before treatment cannot be correlated with the clinical severity, nor with the serum-albumin concentration. There is a striking rise in the level of plasma free aminoacids within 24 hours of the commencement of protein feeding. In many instances abnormally high plasma levels of essential aminoacids and tyrosine are reached. These results imply that the plasma aminogram must be used with caution in the detection of protein-calorie malnutrition.
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