[Free amino acid ratio in the blood plasma in human protein deficiency]

The content of free amino acids (valine and arginine) and their ratio (V/A ratio) in the blood plasma was studied in men (4 groups each holding 5 persons) kept on controlled diets with varying content of protein nitrogen. The experiments made it possible to reveal definite changes in the V/A ratio depending on the amount of protein nitrogen in the diet. The ratio was demonstrated to descend as a result of inadequate supply of protein nitrogen with the diet. To form the final judgement about the diagnostic significance and specificity of the indicator under consideration, it is necessary to perform careful check-ups under clinical and experimental conditions.