In Malnourished a N D Recovered Children

1. L-Valine, L-leucine and L-isoleucine containing "N were prepared, purified, and fed to marasmic and recovered infants. The excretion of total "N and ["Nlurea in the urine was followed for 72 h. 2. "N excreted from isoleucine was about 90 %, from leucine 70 %, and from valine 50 % in the recovered child. 3. "N excreted was lower for leucine and isoleucine in marasmus than in recovery. The clinical state made little difference to "N excretion from valine. 5. The decrease in excretion was almost entirely due to lowered urea output. 6. The results are discussed in relation to branched-chain amino acid metabolism and dietary requirements for these acids.