Nitrogen Balance

Nitrogen balance is an estimate of the difference between nitrogen intake and output in the body to measure protein sufficiency. It is derived by subtracting the amount of urea nitrogen in a urine sample from an individual's total protein intake. If the urea value is larger than protein intake, the nitrogen balance is negative, indicating that not enough protein was eaten to meet the body's nutritional needs.

 

In this situation, muscle protein is sacrificed to provide additional protein to assist metabolic processes. Prolonged negative balance results in muscle wasting. Positive nitrogen balance is achieved by ingesting complete protein to meet the body's metabolic needs.