What does the body do with excess amino acids?

When there is an excess of amino acids in the body, several processes occur to ensure the efficient use and balance of these amino acids:

1. Protein synthesis: The excess amino acids can be used for protein synthesis, either to build new proteins or to repair damaged ones. This process is essential for growth, tissue repair, and maintenance of cellular functions.

2. Gluconeogenesis: If the body has a sufficient amount of carbohydrates and fatty acids, excess amino acids can be converted into glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis. This occurs primarily in the liver and kidneys. Glucose is the body's main source of energy, and gluconeogenesis helps maintain glucose homeostasis when dietary carbohydrate intake is low.

3. Deamination: Excess amino acids can undergo a process called deamination, where the amino group is removed from the amino acid. Deamination occurs primarily in the liver. The resulting compounds are then converted into various intermediates that can be used in energy production or metabolic pathways. The nitrogen from the amino group can be excreted as urea, a waste product, through the kidneys.

4. Ketogenesis: In some cases, especially during periods of fasting or low carbohydrate intake, excess amino acids can be converted into ketone bodies through a process called ketogenesis. This occurs primarily in the liver. Ketone bodies can serve as an alternative source of energy for the brain and other tissues when glucose levels are low.

5. Storage: Some amino acids can be stored for a short period in skeletal muscles and other tissues as amino acid pools. These reserves can be called upon during times of increased protein synthesis or energy demand.

It's important to note that the regulation of amino acid metabolism is a complex process involving various hormones and signaling pathways. The body aims to maintain a balance of amino acids to optimize protein synthesis, energy production, and overall metabolic homeostasis.