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.