what is the fate of excess intake of dietary protein
Protein (nutrient) The body is unable to store excess protein. Dietary protein is converted to individual amino acids by the digestive process, which are then absorbed. When amino acids are in excess of needs the liver takes up the amino acids and subjects them to deanimation, a process that converts the nitrogen from the amino acids into ammonia, further processed in the liver into urea via the urea cycle. Excretion of urea is performed by the kidneys. Other parts of the amino acid molecules can be converted into glucose and used for fuel. [22][27][28] When food protein intake is periodically high or low, the body tries to keep protein levels at an equilibrium by using the "labile protein reserve" to compensate for daily variations in protein intake. However, unlike body fat as a reserve for future caloric needs, there is no protein storage for future needs.[2]