The minimum cottonseed protein required for nitrogen balance in women.

This study was designed to assess minimum amount of nitrogen from deglanded (LCP) and glandless (GSF) cottonseed protein required to maintain nitrogen balance in young adult women. Fourteen women aged 19 to 25 were divided into two groups, one group was fed LCP and the other GSF in a purified formula diet for the entire study. The protein level constituted approximately 15% of the total energy intake initially. After reaching and maintaining equilibrium, the protein level for each subject was decreased until that lowest level was found that would maintain the individual in nitrogen balance. Nitrogen status was calculated using the formula: Nitrogen Status = N Intake--N Output (Urinary + Fecal + other Obligatory Loss). Regression data for each subject was used to define nitrogen intake required to maintain equilibrium. The nitrogen intakes showed similar results for the two forms of cottonseed with a mean value of 0.106 g N per kg body weight to maintain equilibrium. The quality of cottonseed protein was between reported values in men for soybean and wheat protein.