Protein Deprivation: Comparative Response of Hair Roots, Serum Protein, and Urinary Nitrogen

In this study, six young men were subjected to a protein-free liquid diet while receiving all other necessary nutrients. After 11 days, significant morphological changes were observed in their hair roots, including reduced bulb diameter, atrophy, dyspigmentation, and absence of the sheath, although the growth phase remained unchanged. Urinary nitrogen levels decreased to minimum values by the 11th day, while total serum protein and albumin levels stayed normal. The hair root changes were reversed when protein was reintroduced into the diet.