What Is the Function of Nitrogen in the Human Body?

While nitrogen makes up a large part of the Earth's atmosphere, the human body cannot utilize it through respiration. Nitrogen is found in organic matter, such as plants, and must be extracted by some means.

Humans absorb nitrogen through the consumption of plants or animals that have consumed nitrogen-rich vegetation. This allows the body to utilize the nitrogen, promoting protein synthesis and the creation of compounds and amino acids that influence growth, hormones, brain functions and the immune system.