NITROGEN BALANCE Prepared by Sudip Bhattacharyya What is

NITROGEN BALANCE Prepared by Sudip Bhattacharyya

What is Nitrogen Balance v It is the comparison between Nitrogen intake and nitrogen loss from the body. It is also the index of growth status of the body. v Nitrogen balance is a specific term, describes status of nitrogen metabolism in human body. v Proteins are the sole source of nitrogen in the body. v 10 to 15% of energy is derived from protein. v In absence of carbohydrates, amino acids are used for energy need. v Nitrogen is excreted in the form of urea and NPN substances. Examples of nitrogen losses include urine, feces, sweat etc.

Sources of Nitrogen § Dairy products § Meat § Eggs § Nuts § Legumes § Grains § Cereals

What is Nitrogen equilibrium? Nitrogen equilibrium means , When Dietary intake is equal to daily loss(through urine, feces, sweat etc. ) That means, (Nitrogen Intake - Nitrogen Loss ) = ZERO

Positive Nitrogen Balance We’ve seen positive nitrogen balance in such conditions when nitrogen intake is greater than nitrogen loss. That means, (Intake – Loss) is greater than zero Factors that lead to positive nitrogen balance Ø Growth Ø Pregnancy Ø Tissue repair Ø Growth hormone Ø Insulin hormone Ø Androgens Ø Hypothyroidism

Negative Nitrogen Balance We’ve seen negative nitrogen balance in such conditions when nitrogen intake is less than nitrogen loss. That means, (Intake – Loss) is less than zero Factors that lead to negative nitrogen balance Ø Fever Ø Burns Ø Serious tissue injuries Ø Starvation Ø Corticosteroids Ø Thyroxine Ø Hyperthyroidism