Uses of Amino Acids

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Although amino acids have 4 kcalories per gram, they do not normally contribute to the kcalorie requirement of the patient. Instead of being used for energy, amino acids should be used for protein synthesis. Typically, to determine protein needs, a nonprotein kcalorie to nitrogen ratio of 80:1 to 150:1 is used. Further details on the determination of protein requirements of patients is discussed later in the tutorial.

Nonprotein kcal:N ratio 80:1 the most severely stressed patients 100:1 severely stressed patients 150:1 unstressed patient