Macronutrient balance

MACRONUTRIENT BALANCE
There is some inter-conversion between nutrients such as protein being converted to glucose (gluconeogenesis) for release into the bloodstream, but under normal conditions, the capacity to convert one nutrient into another for storage is very limited. Also, humans have little capacity to 'waste' extra energy by burning it off. This process, which has been termed luxuskonsumption, is common in animals such as rats but is very limited in humans. Therefore, the examination of each macronutrient as a separate entity is necessary and is summarised below.
Protein. Protein stores are mainly in muscle and their size is dependent on need. In other words, muscle mass increases in response to growth stimuli such as certain hormones, physical training and weight gain, but not in response to more protein in the diet. Eating more steak and eggs will not produce bigger biceps, just more protein for use as energy. Protein is a minor source of fuel for the body, usually supplying less than 20 per cent of total energy needs. Any protein not needed for replacement of the structural proteins (e.g. muscle) and functional proteins (e.g. enzymes and some hormones) is used for energy. Protein, along with carbohydrate, is a second priority fuel for burning. It does satisfy appetite (in fact, it is the most potent satiating nutrient) and can be considered 'fully balanced', (i.e. the amount taken in is usually balanced by the amount used up) and therefore protein is an unlikely cause of weight gain.

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