Effect of kwashiorkor on absorption and excretion of N, fat, and minerals.

Balance experiments were carried out on 6 children being treated for kwashiorkor. The intakes and excretions of N, fat, Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Cr were measured. The absorptions were all thought to be in the normal range and the retentions were high. The stools were bulky and contained much undetermined matter, probably unavailable carbohydrate derived from the matooke which formed part of their diet. In the light of previous and present findings the ratios of K/N and Mg/N retained, though higher than those found in muscle or in the whole body, cannot be taken to mean that the children were K or Mg deficient.