Low chloride diet
For adults, the recommended minimum amounts of each essential amino acid varies from 4 to 39 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. Low sodium products and low or no sodium labeled versions can be found in stores. Individuals suffering from phenylketonuria lack the enzyme to convert phenylalanine to tyrosine so low levels of this amino acid need to be provided in the diet. A low-protein diet is prescribed for those with inherited metabolic disorders, such as Phenylketonuria and Homocystinuria and reduced protein levels have been used by people with kidney or liver disease. Due to the sulphur content of the amino acids methionine and cysteine, excess of these amino acids leads to the production of acid through sulphate ions. These sulphate ions may be neutralized by calcium ions from bone, which may lead to net urinary loss of calcium. The daily requirement for humans to remain in nitrogen balance is relatively small. Condiments and seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion salt, garlic salt, and bouillon cubes contain sodium. The availability of low sodium foods is increasing. This might lead to reduction in bone mineral density over time. Some of these added forms are monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrite, sodium saccharin, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), and sodium benzoate. It has been noted that such large amounts of salts are given out by regenerative water softeners that over 60 cities in Southern California have banned these units because of elevated salt levels in ground water reclamation projects caused by water softeners and other sources.
The most common form of sodium is sodium chloride, which is table salt. Sodium is also added to various food products. Treatment includes providing low levels of methionine and high levels of vitamin B6 in the diet. A low-protein diet is a diet in which people reduce their intake of protein. Unprocessed, fresh foods, such as fresh fruits, most vegetables, beef, poultry, fish and unprocessed grains are low in sodium. Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and ham, and canned soups and vegetables are all examples of foods that contain added sodium. Amino acids that are excess to requirement cannot be stored, but must be modified by deamination (removal of the amine group). Homocystinuria is an inherited disorder involving the metabolism of the amino acid methionine leading to the accumulation of homocysteine. As this occurs in the liver and kidneys, some individuals with damaged livers or kidneys may be advised to eat less protein. This would represent less than 10% of kilocalories in a notional 2,200 kilocalorie ration. William Cumming Rose and his team studied the essential amino acids, helping to define minimum amounts needed for normal health. Milk, beets, and celery also naturally contain sodium, as does drinking water, although the amount varies depending on the source. The amount used by those with liver disease would still result in individuals being in nitrogen balance.
