| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Mady, C. E. K.
;
Oliveira Junior, S.
Total Authors: 2
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMODYNAMICS; v. 16, n. 2, p. 8-pg., 2013-06-01. |
| Abstract | |
The exergy analysis of the human body is a tool that can provide indicators of health and life quality. To perform the exergy balance it is necessary to calculate the metabolism on an exergy basis, or metabolic exergy, although there is not yet consensus in its calculation procedure. Hence, the aim of this work is to provide a general method to evaluate this physical quantity for human body based on indirect calorimetry data. To calculate the metabolism on an exergy basis it is necessary to define the reference reactions and obtain their exergy variation. The reference reactions of the energy substrates are represented by the oxidation of the glucose, palmitic acid and a representative amino acid. Hence, from the exergy variation of these reactions and the consumption rate of the substrates, the metabolic exergy is determined. Results, for basal conditions and during physical activities, indicate that the difference between exergy and energy metabolisms is lower than 5%. Moreover, the body converts approximately 60% of the exergy of nutrients into available exergy to perform work. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 09/17578-0 - Thermodynamic indicators for diagnosis of pathologies: applications on pathologies caused by urban environmental imbalances |
| Grantee: | Carlos Eduardo Keutenedjian Mady |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct) |