Biochemistry

The energy balance in the body is achieved by the corresponding intake and expenditure of energy during the day (Fig. 1.5). However, the energy balance may be different. Thus, malnutrition, in which the caloric content of the daily diet does not cover energy costs, leads to a negative energy balance. At the same time, all body resources are mobilized for the maximum compensation of the resulting energy deficit. All food substances are used as sources of energy, and not only protein coming from food is consumed, but also contained in tissues. This is the main adverse factor in the negative energy balance, as a result of which calorie ­ protein deficiency develops, which can lead to serious diseases, in particular, nutritional dystrophy. Figure 1.5 - Schematic representation of energy transformations in a cell The opposite and no less serious phenomenon is a positive energy balance, which is established when, over an extended period, the caloric content of a food ration significantly exceeds energy expenditures. Long-lasting positive energy balance leads to obesity (overweight), atherosclerosis. 32