top of page

Carbohydrates and Energy

A diagram explaining the role of carbohydrates in the body. It shows carbohydrates being broken down into glucose, which is then stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles.

Carbohydrates and Energy

Carbohydrates are critical to support life’s most basic function—energy production. Without energy, none of the life processes can be performed. As the primary energy source, carbohydrates must be consumed in moderation to provide energy to perform all functions and activities.

Carbohydrates for Energy Production

The primary role of carbohydrates is to supply energy to all cells in the body. Many cells prefer glucose as an energy source versus other compounds like fatty acids. Some cells, such as red blood cells, can only produce cellular energy from glucose.

​

When glucose is insufficient to meet the body’s needs, glucose is synthesized from amino acids; amino acids are the building blocks for protein. The presence of adequate glucose spares the breakdown of proteins, which can be used to build body muscle, soft tissues, and other functional uses.

Carbohydrates Aid in Lipid Metabolism

Glucose has a fat-sparing effect, as when blood glucose levels rise, the use of lipids as an energy source is inhibited. An increase in blood glucose stimulates the release of the hormone insulin, which tells cells to use glucose instead of lipids to make energy.

Glycogen, Carbohydrates for Energy Storage

“Glycogen, the energy storage in the body”

​

​The excess glucose is stored as glycogen if the body has enough energy to support its functions. Most of the glycogen is stored in the muscles and the liver. A glycogen molecule may contain fifty thousand single glucose units and is highly branched, allowing for the rapid dissemination of glucose when needed to make cellular energy. 

​

Muscles can store glycogen as an energy source. Prolonged muscle use, such as protracted exercise for more than a few hours, can deplete the glycogen energy reserve. After a lengthy workout, muscle glycogen is consumed, and muscles must rely more on proteins and lipids as energy sources. 

​

The liver can store glucose energy as glycogen. The liver uses its stored glycogen to support other bodily tissues when blood glucose levels are low. Approximately a quarter of total body glycogen content is in the liver, equivalent to about a four-hour supply of glucose, but this is highly dependent on activity level. 

The liver uses this glycogen reserve to keep blood glucose levels within a narrow range between meal times. When the liver’s glycogen supply is exhausted, glucose is made from amino acids obtained from destroying proteins to maintain body functions.

bottom of page