Measurement of 47calcium retention with a whole-body counter.

A method for measuring the retention of orally administered 47Ca using a whole-body counter (WBC) is described. One microcurie 47Ca in 90 ml of lowfat milk was given along with 5 microCi 51Cr as a stool marker. The retention of 47Ca was determined at 7 days if less than 2% of the administered 51Cr was present in the body.

The effect of disease, drug, and diet on whole body protein metabolism in adolescents with Crohn disease and growth failure.

The effect of chronic inflammation, corticosteroid therapy, and nutritional supplementation on whole body protein metabolism and growth was determined in adolescent males with Crohn disease and growth failure. Body protein status was characterized in six patients and in five healthy, age-matched controls by nitrogen balance, whole body potassium (measured as 40K), urinary creatinine excretion, and [15N]glycine turnover studies. The patients subsequently received an intragastric nutritional supplement that increased dietary protein and energy intakes by 40% for seven months.