Tag: Pyruvate carboxylase

Over a third of the body's glucose can be produced through gluconeogenesis during prolonged fasting. But a central question remains: what vitamin is needed for gluconeogenesis? The answer lies with biotin, also known as vitamin B7, which acts as a crucial cofactor for the initial steps of this vital metabolic pathway.

The human body can generate glucose from non-carbohydrate sources during periods of fasting or intense exercise through a process called gluconeogenesis. This vital metabolic pathway relies on several key enzymes, and one essential B-vitamin plays a critical role as a cofactor in a crucial step. This article will explain what vitamin is involved in gluconeogenesis and its specific function within this process.

In human metabolism, a deficiency of the four-carbon molecule oxaloacetate severely impacts energy production, leading to a cascade of cellular and systemic failures. This critical intermediate is central to both the Krebs cycle and the process of gluconeogenesis, making its depletion a significant physiological concern.