Gluconeogenesis
Definition
Gluconeogenesis is a process in the body that creates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. This is important when your body needs more sugar than what's available from your diet.
Scientific / Technical Definition
Gluconeogenesis is a metabolic pathway that results in the generation of glucose from certain non-carbohydrate carbon substrates, such as lactate, glycerol, and glucogenic amino acids. It primarily takes place in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the kidney cortex, helping to maintain normal blood glucose levels during fasting or intense exercise.
Benefits
- Maintains blood sugar levels during fasting.
- Provides energy during prolonged periods without food.
- Supports brain function by supplying glucose in the absence of dietary carbohydrates.
Examples
- Lactate produced during intense exercise is recycled in the liver to glucose.
- Glycerol from fat breakdown can be converted into glucose.
- Amino acids from muscle proteins can serve as substrates in the gluconeogenesis pathway.
Additional Information
- Effects: This metabolic pathway is crucial during periods of fasting, starvation, low-carbohydrate diets, or intense exercise, as it provides the brain and red blood cells with their required glucose for energy.
Last updated: 10/19/2024