Prolonged consumption by infants of wheat-based diets with and without casein or lysine supplementation

Infants consumed 75% of calories as 82% extraction wheat flour with satisfactory short-term protein and energy digestion. Protein needs, represented by N retentions from casein, probably were not satisfied. Long-term (3+ months) studies in four infants showed that 50% calories and 80% protein from wheat (casein added to 8% protein calories) supported weight gain and linear growth more than expected. Prolonged feeding of 75% calories and 100% protein from wheat attempted in three infants. In the oldest (15.5 months), digestibility and growth was satisfactory; in one, despite good digestion, weight gain and growth was inadequate and serum albumin fell until 0.2% lysine was added; and in another, weight gain was satisfactory but albumin fell to 3.25 g/dl and growth was inadequate. In six other infants, lysine addition during the 2nd of 3 months was associated with significant increase in N retention and weight gain and stabilization of albumin; lysine withdrawal resulted in significant decrease in weight gain with no effect on N retention or albumin; growth was barely adequate during 3-month study. Serum cholesterol fell only when dietary protein was inadequate. It is practically impossible for unsupplemented wheat to satisfy protein needs of infants and most small children.