Positive nitrogen balance

Positive nitrogen balance exists when N⁺ intake exceeds N⁺ excreted

1. pregnancy

2. growth period

3. building muscles

4. rebuilding of tissue after trauma, illness

Negative nitrogen balance exists when more N⁺ lost than consumed (protein lost)

1. fever

2. injury

3. surgery

4. burns

5. starvation

6. immobilization

Protein Deficiency

1. muscle wasting

2. albumen deficiency causes edema

3. loss of appetite

4. strength ↓, weight ↓

5. lethargy, depression, slow wound healing

Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM)

1. Have lack of protein & energy rich foods

2. found in developing countries

3. shortages of protein & energy rich foods cause stomach growth in children

4. mental retardation may occur if born to mothers with protein deficiency