The Concept of Protein Stores and Its Implications in Diet

The term "protein reserve" implies the existence of a body of protein laid down by the consumption of protein beyond current requirements which can be called on to meet situations of privation or stress. This concept is one of the chief reasons advanced for consuming quantities of protein beyond current minimal needs in the hope of providing a margin of safety. A critical examination of the literature and experiments on animals reported herewith fails to support the concept of protein reserves as defined above.