The importance of proteins in the blood plasma has been demonstrated by numerous investigators. Proteins are normally present in human plasma to the extent of 6.5 to 7.5 Gm. per hundred cubic centimeters with albumin and globulin fractions in the ratio of about 1.6 to 1. In addition to the proteins in the plasma there is also a large store of proteins within the body which can be called on in time of need.
Natural foods contain complex proteins which must be broken down by the digestive enzymes to amino acids and peptides before absorption from the intestines can take place. During disease the digestive processes may not be able to maintain the proteins in the plasma. The store of proteins may also be depleted by rapid loss of plasma from the raw surfaces of burns, by copious drainage of abscesses or of other inflamed cavities or by loss of