Bed Rest Decreases Whole-Body Protein Turnover in Post-Absorptive Man

1. Whole-body protein turnover was measured using the [¹⁵N]glycine tracer technique in 10 post-absorptive healthy volunteers during normal daily activities and a period of bed rest.

2. Bed rest reduced whole-body protein turnover (25%), synthesis (26%) and breakdown (25%), but short-term urinary nitrogen excretion remained unchanged.