Utilization of protein at sub-maintenance energy intakes.
Adult rats fed a diet containing 14%, by weight, of protein displayed a negative N balance when energy intake was reduced to a value approximating basal metabolism. A positive N balance was induced, however, by raising the protein concentration in the diet, and N retention continued until body fat reserves were almost exhausted. These findings are in conflict with the widely-held view that N equilibrium can be achieved only when the need for energy is satisfied.
D000818:Animals; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D001823:Body Composition; D001835:Body Weight; D004032:Diet; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D002149:Energy Intake; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology; D008297:Male; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D009584:Nitrogen