March 2007: Volume 2 Number 3
Nitrogen [N] – Nitrogen is important to all plants and animals. Nitrogen combines with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the body. It is essential for the synthesis of amino acids and proteins in both plants and animals. Proteins make up the structure of muscles in the body. Legume plants such as beans and peas can gather nitrogen from the air and place it in the soil for use by other plants. We obtain most of our nitrogen by eating plants and animals.
Nitrogen is eliminated from the body as urea in the urine. Urea is directly related to protein intake and is the end product of protein metabolism in animals. Protein loss increases in conditions of stress in the body such as diabetes, fever, disease or excess adreno-cortical activity. The balance of nitrogen buildup and elimination is critical to minimize toxic cell activity.
We will discuss the Calcium (Ca) atom in our next lecture as a continuation of the specific uses of minerals or element in our bodies.
© Copyright 2007 The Specific Uses of Minerals or Elements in the Body – Nitrogen
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