Allometric scaling: Theory and Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31989/ffhd.v7i5.343Abstract
Background: The history and bases for selectedallometric energy relationships are reviewed in this article, specifically those related to quarter-power scaling as described by M. Kleiber, i.e. interspecies metabolic rates scaleas a function of mass to the three-quarters power (metabolic body size). Interspecies requirements for essential factors are also noted (e.g., vitamins and minerals). A case is made thatinterspecies vitamin and mineral requirements are similar when expressed per unit of metabolizable energy consumed or metabolic body size. Furthermore, it is emphasized that: 1) these relationships may be applied broadly and allow for the scaling of energy-related and nutrient needs in animals as small as screws to as large as elephants, and 2) application of appropriate allometric scaling methods to nutritional questions allows one to make stronger inferences when extrapolating results derived from experimental animal models to humans.
Key words: Nutrient requirements, basal metabolism, metabolic body size, allometric scaling
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Copyright (c) 2017 Robert B. Rucker
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