TweetWhy Nitrogen Balance is Important Options





In addition to carbon and hydrogen, amino acids also contain nitrogen as part of their molecular structure. This is a unique characteristic of protein. Specifically, nitrogen balance refers to the condition in which the nitrogen ingested form protein is equal to the amount of nitrogen eliminated as ammonia. A positive nitrogen balance occurs when the body has a surplus of nitrogen. This surplus allows for increased protein synthesis and an anabolic environment to support muscle growth. A negative balance which results from inadequate protein intake can result in the body cannibalizing muscle tissue to get nitrogen from amino acids in your muscles. So, the goal is maintain a positive nitrogen balance and be anabolic.