Physical activity improves protein utilization in young men.

Protein utilization in young men under circumstances of one or two periods of work and both adequate and surfeit energy intake was determined by nitrogen balance; protein intake was constant at the FAO/WHO (1973) safe level (0.57 g/kg body-weight). Physical activity affected protein utilization negatively by increasing sweat and faecal N losses, and positively by supporting increased energy intake. Efficiency with which surfeit energy improved N utilization (mg N retained/added kJ) was greater under circumstances of increased activity. Changes in body composition as determined by total body potassium and hydrostatic weighing supported the N retention values.