Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Workflow Based on the Combination of Isotopic Tracer Experiments to Investigate Microbial Metabolism of Multiple Nutrient Sources
Published on: January 22, 2018
Protein quality, amino acid balance, utilization, and evaluation of diets containing amino acids as therapeutic
1Research Department, McGaw, Inc., Irvine, California 92713-9791.
Abstract:
Basic concepts of amino acid nutrition are summarized and quantitative amino acid requirements of different age-groups based on current knowledge are presented. The newer concepts of "conditionally indispensable" amino acids and organ-specific requirements for amino acids are discussed. The concepts of nitrogen balance, limiting amino acid, protein utilization, protein efficiency ratio, and amino acid score for determining protein quality are reviewed, and examples of low-, intermediate-, and high-quality proteins are provided. Problems in assessing efficiency of nitrogen utilization when single amino acids or amino acids in combination with balanced diets are used as therapeutic agents are discussed in relation to the potential roles of the branched-chain amino acids, arginine, and glutamine in trauma and as immunostimulators.
Related Concept Videos
Amino acids
Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Overview of Protein Metabolism
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Amino Acid Catabolism
Amino Acid Biosynthetic Pathways

