negative nitrogen balance
Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine:
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negative nitrogen balance
A condition in which protein catabolism (breakdown) exceeds protein anabolism (synthesis) resulting in tissues losing protein faster than it can be replaced. A negative nitrogen balance may occur during physical or emotional stress, starvation, when an individual is on a very low calorie diet, or when the quality of protein is poor (e.g. when the diet is lacking essential amino acids). Adrenal cortical hormones, such as cortisone, released during stress enhance protein breakdown and the conversion of amino acids to glucose.
Mosby's Dental Dictionary:
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negative nitrogen balance
n
A condition in which nitrogen output exceeds nitrogen intake, resulting in the body’s need to draw on its own stores of protein for energy; may be caused by dietary imbalances, illness, infection, anxiety, or stress.
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Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine
The Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine. Copyright © Michael Kent 1998, 2006, 2007. All rights reserved.
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