Nitrogen balance regulation

Nitrogen balance refers to the net difference between nitrogen intake (mainly from dietary protein) and nitrogen loss (mainly via urine as urea, plus feces, sweat, and shed tissues). It is used clinically to assess protein metabolism: positive nitrogen balance indicates an anabolic state (growth, recovery), while negative nitrogen balance signals catabolism (injury, starvation, disease). Regulation of nitrogen balance involves multiple metabolic pathways, including the urea cycle and amino acid metabolism, coordinated by hormonal, enzymatic, and nutritional cues. Nitrogen balance is not a receptor or molecular target, but rather a metabolic parameter and systems-level physiological property.

Other names

Nitrogen homeostasisProtein metabolism balanceNitrogen equilibrium