Nitrogen Equilibrium and Regeneration of Serum Protein

Metabolic Alterations in Surgical Patients. I. The Effect of Altering the Electrolyte, Carbohydrate and Amino Acid Intake*

“…Since most of the administered amino acid solution is metab-olized, it must at least provide energy. It would also seem that since the protein within the body is in a state of "dynamic equilibrium,"44 45 and since parenterally administered amino acids have been shown to form tissue and plasma proteins," 16,31 it would appear desirable to provide the necessary building blocks. If one assumes that no benefit is derived from the giving of a nutrient because of an accelerated breakdown or a loss in the urine, the same would hold true for the administration of dextrose, the water soluble vitamins and potassium.…”