Nitrogen Balance

Nitrogen balance measures the difference between nitrogen intake (through food, mainly protein) and nitrogen excretion (when your body breaks down and gets rid of protein waste). If intake equals excretion, nitrogen balance is neutral, meaning your body is maintaining its current protein levels. A positive nitrogen balance occurs when intake exceeds loss, supporting growth, repair, or pregnancy. A negative nitrogen balance happens if loss exceeds intake, indicating muscle breakdown, malnutrition, or illness. This concept helps assess nutritional status and how well your body is maintaining or building tissue.