Factors Affecting Requirements for Carbohydrate, Fat and Amino Acids

Abstract

Factors affecting utilization of amino acids by the body were reviewed, with special reference to the needs of subjects receiving intravenous alimentation. To achieve N equilibrium in the adult subject, attention has to be paid to the total amino acid intake/day, the relationships between the amounts of different essential amino acids, the proportion of essential to non-essential amino acids, and the time of administration of essential amino acids. In addition, N balance is influenced by intake of energy-yielding nutrients in general and in a specific manner by dietary carbohydrate. Within the body, the distribution of amino acids can be affected by hormonal mechanisms; some of these hormonal actions are known to be initiated by dietary factors. Consequently, the utilisation of infused amino acids is dependent on a mosaic of interacting factors.