Tag: Nutrient recycling

Every day, a typical human adult recycles about 300 to 400 grams of protein, a quantity far exceeding the average dietary intake. This remarkable process, known as protein turnover, demonstrates that the human body does, in fact, recycle protein with exceptional efficiency to maintain its cellular and physiological functions.

According to the National Institutes of Health, human feces is composed of roughly 75% water and 25% solid material, which includes dead bacteria and undigested food. This biological makeup naturally prompts the question: are there any nutrients left in poop? The answer is a resounding yes, and understanding what remains reveals a complex picture of digestion, decomposition, and resource potential.

Studies show that a single person can excrete approximately 1.8 grams of phosphorus per day, confirming that feces contain phosphorus. This essential nutrient, crucial for all living organisms, is not only a component of human waste but is also abundant in animal manure, playing a vital role in the global phosphorus cycle.