The influence of gut micro-organisms on utilization of dietary protein

Abstract

It is well established that the pattern of N excretion is modified by the micro organisms that inhabit the hind gut, though the extent to which the products of microbial metabolism within the lumen of the gut enter into the N metabolism of the host doubtless varies widely with species and to some extent also with the diet. With dietary regimens supplying abundant good quality protein, the microflora has only a marginal influence on the protein nutrition of the host. With severely restricted protein intakes and poor quality diets, or in starvation, it is possible that synthesis of non essential amino acids from N released as ammonia from urea or poorly digested protein, or recycling of endogenous N, may be of value.