Sulphate, acid-base, and mineral balances of obese women during weight loss

Four obese women, each at least 50% above their expected weight for height were maintained in the metabolic unit for 63 days on liquid formula diets of differing protein and calorie content. We made the following findings: 1) When 12 g protein nitrogen was consumed, 1 mEq of acid was excreted in the urine for every 2 mEq of urinary sulphate. 2) On a protein-free diet more acid was excreted in the urine than could be accounted for by oxidation of sulphur to the sulphate which was excreted in the urine. 3) Both increased consumption of protein and a restriction of dietary calories was associated with an increase of urinary acid. 4) Urinary sulphur excretion was closely correlated with nitrogen intake and urinary urea nitrogen excretion. However, on a protein-free diet the ratio of total nitrogen to sulphur in the urine was greater than when 12 g protein nitrogen was consumed. 5) There is some evidence that when total calorie intake was reduced at a level of 12 g protein nitrogen intake, the ratio of urinary urea nitrogen to urinary sulfur decreased. This suggests selective retention of some nonsulphur containing amino acids and/or selective oxidation of sulphur-containing amino acids. 6) In general, urinary calcium and magnesium excretions were depressed both with a decrease in protein consumption and a decrease in caloric intake. 7) The urinary excretions of calcium and magnesium showed a tendency to fall during the 63 days of the experiment. 8) The urinary and fecal phosphorus excretion remained constant during the various metabolic periods of the experiment.