[Biological evaluation, in rats and in humans, of a milk product without lactose, and of a soybean protein formula for use in protein-calorie malnutrition].

Protein quality of a lactose-free milk (LFM) was compared with a soy-protein isolate (SPI) by means of the PER and 24-hour nitrogen balance methods performed with 16 infants with protein-energy malnutrition. PER was 1.19 for the SPI, value which is significantly lower than that of 2.28 obtained for LFM, and 2.71 for casein. Nitrogen absorption of LFM and SPI was 80%. The biological value of both formulas did not differ significantly; however, in six month-old babies or younger with severe malnutrition, nitrogen retention was higher with LFM than with SPI. On the other hand, nitrogen retention was higher in infants 11 and 12 months old with moderate malnutrition fed the SPI formula. The results suggest that both formulas are good alternatives for the treatment of infants with protein-energy malnutrition and lactose intolerance.