The nitrogen sparing effect of intravenous 3% amino acid solution was compared with 5% dextrose solution in 30 patients who were undergoing surgical operations or radiation therapy. Infusion of 3% amino acid solution or 5% dextrose solution was given before and immediately after operations or irradiation and continued for 6 days. Infusion of solutions through peripheral vein was well tolerated and not experienced any specific hematologic or blood chemistry change in all patients subjected throughout the experiment. The patients received 3% amino acid solution showed low blood glucose and insulin level, but significantly high blood urea nitrogen and ketone body. In patients receiving amino acids, as compared with those receiving dextrose, mean cumulative six day nitrogen losses were significantly lower(63.95 ± 2.12 Gm and 79.12 ± 2.43Gm respectively). The nitrogen sparing effect of amino acids is probably due to decreased glucose and insulin levels allowing greater endogenous fat mobilization.