MEDizzy - What is the nitrogen balance of a person who consumes a

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Multisystem Processes

What is the nitrogen balance of a person who consumes a 3,500-kilocalorie diet containing 10% protein and who excretes a total of 12 grams of nitrogen?

Explanation“Ten percent protein” means that 10% of the 3,500 calories are from protein, so 350 calories are from protein. Protein provides 4 calories per gram, so 350/4 = 87.5 grams of protein intake. To convert the protein intake to nitrogen intake, divide the grams of protein intake by 6.25 g protein/g nitrogen, so 87.5/6.25 = 14 grams of nitrogen intake. Fourteen g intake – 12 g loss = +2 nitrogen balance.