What happens to unutilized protein in the body?

Unutilized protein in the body undergoes a process where it is converted to glucose or fat for energy storage. When the body consumes protein, it breaks it down into amino acids, which are then used for various physiological functions, such as building and repairing tissues, synthesizing hormones, and supporting immune function. However, when the intake of protein exceeds the body's immediate needs, the surplus amino acids cannot be stored in their basic form.

Instead, through a process known as deamination, the amino group is removed from the amino acids, leading to the production of ammonia, which is converted to urea and excreted in the urine. The remaining carbon skeleton can then be transformed into glucose through gluconeogenesis or converted into fatty acids for storage as triglycerides. This metabolic pathway allows the body to efficiently manage excess protein intake, ensuring that energy requirements can be met even when dietary carbohydrate intake is lower.

This distinction highlights the body's adaptability in using available nutrients effectively. In contrast, unutilized protein is not simply stored as muscle tissue, nor do its levels remain constant; muscle tissue requires a balance of physical activity and protein intake for growth and maintenance.