Beyond its continuing maintenance needs for energy, the body periodically needs relatively larger amounts of energy to do work or to engage in other vigorous physical activities.
Carbohydrates are the preferred energy source for athletes as they are the most efficient in producing the necessary fuel for energy requirements.
Human derive their energy mainly from carbohydrate (55 – 65%), although they can also utilize fats and proteins for this purpose.
Two main macronutrients provide energy for replenishing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during exercise:
*Muscle and liver glycogen
*Triglycerides within adipose tissue and exercise muscle
During prolonged exercise, carbohydrates such as muscle glycogen and blood glucose derived for liver glycogenolysis are the primary energy substrate. One gram of carbohydrate supplies 4 kcal of energy.
The carbohydrates that are important in nutrition include the sugars, the starches, the dextrin, and glycogen. Cellulose, pectin, and other carbohydrate are not important nutritionally.
In adults, it is important that the amount of energy ingested be matched to the amount of energy expended. Maintenance of energy balance is important in order to avoid obesity and its associated co-morbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Carbohydrates constitute the main source of energy supplied by foods and may account for up to 100% of the total dietary caloric intake. In an average Westerns diet carbohydrates contribute around 50% of the ingested calories.
Carbohydrate source of energy
