Studies on protein and energy requirements in China

Abstract

Protein and energy requirements of different population groups in China have been studied. Together with the data from other countries, Recommended Dietary Allowances were established and were revised in 1962 and again in 1976. The average BMR of 19 male subjects aged 20–30 was 37.8 kcal/min/m 2 of body surface. The average energy expenditure of 16 male college students was 2420 kcal/day, and the energy absorbed was 2976 kcal/day. The energy expenditure of 6 female students was 2170 kcal/day. There was a wide variation of energy expenditure among workers and peasants according to the intensity of work. From dietary surveys on the senior middle school boys, the energy intake of adolescents was 2618–3938, which is near or above the RDA. The calorie intake of 8 infants in a metabolic study was 100–200 kcal/kg/day. From nitrogen balance studies, the daily protein requirements of Chinese young adults and infants under 6 months of age consuming soybean milk substitute were determined to be 1.0 g/kg, and 4.5 g/kg respectively. Dietary surveys showed that the protein intake of children with 2–3 years of age was about 30–40 g/kg/day. The traditional Chinese diet with high plant protein and crude fiber content may be beneficial in preventing coronary heart disease. However, the question of absorption and utilization of protein and energy requires further investigation. The effect of meal frequency in relation to the health of the student has been studied, but further study is necessary. Based on our experience over the last 30 years, food rationing determined by age and physical activity appears to be the most efficient method of fighting hunger and malnutrition.