Hair as an Index of Protein Malnutrition
January 1978
in “
Advances in experimental medicine and biology
”
TLDR Hair cystine levels may indicate protein malnutrition, but more research is needed.
The study analyzed hair samples from seven sick Ghanaian children to assess protein malnutrition by measuring amino acid content, specifically cystine. Using a specific chemical procedure, the researchers found that the average cystine content in six children with kwashiorkor or marasmic kwashiorkor was about 20% lower than in one child with adequate protein nutrition. Despite these findings, the study highlighted the need for further research due to conflicting evidence regarding the relationship between hair cystine content and nutrition. No other significant differences in amino acid composition were observed.
