Malnutrition as a Source.—Certain individuals, children especially, develop symptoms of acidosis under many different circumstances; for example, in many cases of malnutrition the evidences of acidosis are almost invariable. The treatment in these cases must be, of course, prompt in order that the condition may not assume a serious aspect.
Dietetic Treatment.—The diet is adjusted in order to neutralize the effect of the acid in the blood. This is done in two ways: first, by reducing the fat, and second, by increasing the amount of base-forming foods in the diet.
The following table[164] illustrates the foods in which the acid-forming elements and base-forming elements predominate:
Foods in Which Acid-Forming Elements Predominate
Estimated Excess Acid-forming Elements Equivalent to C.C. Normal Acid per 100 Calories
| Beef, free from visible fat | 10.0 |
| Eggs | .9 |
| Round steak | 6.7 |
| Oatmeal | 3.2 |
| Wheat flour | 2.7 |
| Wheat, entire grain | 2.6 |
| Rice | 2.4 |
| Bacon | 1.0 |
| Corn, entire grain (high protein) | .1 |
Foods in Which Base-Forming Elements Predominate
Estimated Excess Base-forming Elements Equivalent to C.C. Normal Alkali per 100 Calories
| Celery | 40.0 |
| Cabbage | 10-13.6 |
| Potatoes | 9-12.0 |
| Prunes | 7.9 |
| Turnips | 6.6-12.5 |
| Apples | 5.0 |
| Milk | 3.3 |
| Beans | 2.9-6.8 |
| Peas | 1.9 |
| Corn, entire grain (low protein) | .8 |