Tag: Muscle cells

While glucose is the body's primary and most readily available fuel source, most muscle cells cannot use fructose directly for energy. The vast majority of ingested fructose must first be processed by the liver or other specialized tissues before it can become available to muscle tissue.

Skeletal muscle is widely recognized for its ability to store carbohydrates, but surprisingly, muscle cells also store fat. These tiny fat droplets, known as intramyocellular lipids (IMCLs), serve as an essential and readily available energy source for working muscles, particularly during prolonged exercise. However, the role of IMCLs is complex, and their accumulation is associated with both enhanced metabolic health in athletes and insulin resistance in sedentary individuals.

Approximately 95% of the body's creatine is stored in muscles, where it's primarily used for cellular energy. This vital compound also significantly impacts other cells, from the brain to the immune system, by supporting critical bioenergetic processes and cellular functions.

An estimated 400 grams of glycogen is stored in the skeletal muscle of an average adult, accounting for the largest share of the body's total stores. This molecule, known as glycogen, is what is used to store sugar in liver and muscle cells of animals, acting as a crucial short-term energy reserve.