Category: Human metabolism

Approximately 80% of the monosaccharides absorbed by the intestine are glucose, which is then swiftly distributed throughout the body. The most commonly used monosaccharide in the body, glucose is the central player in cellular energy production, fueling vital functions from brain activity to muscle contraction.

The average human body is composed of approximately 3% nitrogen by mass, an essential element for life found primarily within proteins. This crucial nutrient is acquired through food and plays a fundamental role in nearly every biological process, from cell growth to hormone regulation.

Over 95% of dietary lipids are triglycerides, which are too large to be directly absorbed by the body. During digestion, these complex molecules undergo a critical process where they are broken down into simpler compounds, specifically monoglycerides and free fatty acids, to allow for absorption.

The human brain alone consumes approximately 130 grams of glucose per day, making a steady fuel supply critical for its function. This constant demand is precisely why we get instant energy from glucose, thanks to its simple structure and a highly efficient, fast-acting metabolic pathway.

Nearly all of the twenty standard amino acids can be used to produce glucose, with only two being exclusively ketogenic. This article explores the metabolic pathways that determine which amino acid is classified as glucogenic and its essential role in maintaining the body's energy balance.

Carbohydrates, such as glucose, are the human body's immediate and preferred energy source for fueling cellular activities. However, fats and, in rare instances, proteins also play crucial roles in providing the energy necessary for growth, maintenance, and activity. A balanced diet provides a consistent supply of these macromolecules to meet the body's dynamic energy demands throughout the day.

Did you know that almost all ingested galactose is rapidly converted into glucose by the liver? So, what is galactose converted to after being ingested? The body uses a specialized series of enzymatic reactions, known as the Leloir pathway, to transform this simple sugar into a usable energy source for cells.

An estimated 6% of U.S. adults have a vitamin B12 deficiency, underscoring its essential role as a cofactor in numerous biological processes. Unlike other vitamins, B12, or cobalamin, is crucial for only two enzymatic reactions in humans, yet these pathways are vital for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and nervous system function.

Approximately 180–220 grams of glucose are produced daily in the liver of an adult human to meet energy needs. The production of glucose and galactose, two fundamental monosaccharides, is a complex process involving distinct biological pathways in both plants and animals.

Most animals, unlike humans, are capable of synthesizing their own vitamin C through a series of enzyme-driven steps. The reason we cannot produce this vital nutrient answers the question, 'Can your body make vitamin C on its own?' and lies in a long-dormant genetic mutation from our evolutionary past.