ROLE OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT IN THE UTILIZATION OF PROTEIN AND AMINO ACIDS

Abstract

<h3>Report to the Counci</h3> l The modern renaissance in the study of the chemistry and physiology of the proteins is vigorous, universal, and greatly significant for health. Mulder, the Dutch chemist, was profoundly prophetic in 1839 when he coined the term "protein" to denote the primary importance of these compounds for the animal organism.¹The very fact that this symposium is being held more than a century later is additional evidence of the continuing and intense interest in the proteins and their special and increasing importance in nutrition. In the United States, World War II evoked considerable interest in nutrition as it applied to the feeding of servicemen and industrial workers. In Europe, whole nations were placed on restricted rations, and much scientific planning was required to devise adequate diets with only a limited quantity and variety of foods. Probably the most successful of the rationing schemes was the