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Nutritional adaptation in man: general introduction and concepts
1Division of Clinical Sciences, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|February 1, 1990
Summary
This study clarifies nutritional adaptation by separating value judgments from objective descriptions of human responses to low energy and protein intake. It emphasizes studying the shape of functional responses to varying nutritional stress.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Nutritional science
- Metabolic adaptation
Background:
- Nutritional adaptation is a complex physiological process.
- Understanding human responses to nutrient deficiency is crucial for public health.
- Existing frameworks for nutritional adaptation require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify conceptual thinking on nutritional adaptation.
- To propose a framework for studying physiological responses to nutritional stress.
- To distinguish objective descriptions from value judgments in nutritional science.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of nutritional adaptation.
- Proposal of key concepts and research questions.
- Examination of physiological responses to low energy and protein intake.
Main Results:
- Value judgments are unavoidable but must be separated from objective descriptions of adaptive responses.
- Focusing on the 'shape' of functional responses to different degrees and types of nutritional stress is key.
- Objective studies can proceed without relying on the term 'adaptation'.
Conclusions:
- A clearer framework for studying nutritional responses is proposed.
- Objective, quantitative descriptions of physiological changes are essential.
- Future research should focus on the dose-response relationship of nutritional stress on various bodily functions.