Nitrogen balance refers to the amount of nitrogen excreted compared to absorbed. Negative balance can indicate inadequate protein consumption, positive balance means excess protein intake, and equilibrium is normal. Nitrogen levels are measured through a urine urea nitrogen test. Proper nitrogen levels require high-quality protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
The term “nitrogen balance” refers to the amount of nitrogen that the body excretes, as opposed to the amount of nitrogen that the body absorbs. All macronutrients – proteins, carbohydrates and fats – are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen molecules. Protein by itself also contains an additional nitrogen molecule. When the body digests proteins, these nitrogen molecules are usually released into the blood. Measuring your body’s nitrogen levels may be the most accurate way to determine whether your body is getting adequate, inadequate, or excess protein.
There are three states of nitrogen balance: negative, positive. and balance. If an individual has a negative nitrogen balance, that person’s nitrogen output is greater than their nitrogen input. Since protein is the only macronutrient containing a nitrogen molecule, a negative balance can be a sign of inadequate protein consumption and malnutrition.
If an individual has a positive nitrogen balance, it means they are consuming more protein than their body needs. This is an ideal state for athletes and bodybuilders, because the extra protein will most likely contribute to muscle growth. Excess protein can also help athletes and body builders recover faster from workouts.
If an individual’s nitrogen balance has reached an equilibrium state, it means that the person is excreting about the same amount of nitrogen as they are taking in. This is generally a normal state for healthy adults on a balanced diet. Most people usually don’t need to consume the high levels of protein that bodybuilders and athletes often need to grow strong muscles.
Nitrogen is usually excreted through the urine, so nitrogen levels in the body are often measured using a urine urea nitrogen test. The test results are then typically compared to the nitrogen content of the individual’s diet. The person will generally be said to have a positive, negative, or equal nitrogen balance, depending on the difference between his urea nitrogen levels and the nitrogen content of his diet.
The human body usually needs more than just protein to maintain proper nitrogen levels. Dietary proteins should be of high quality, such as those typically found in eggs and lean meats. The human body also generally needs an adequate supply of fats and carbohydrates. These macronutrients are widely considered essential for energy production. When dietary levels of fat and carbohydrates drop too low, the body uses protein for energy, which can reduce the body’s nitrogen levels and inhibit the body’s ability to renew damaged cells.
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