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Gluconeogenesis is an enzymatic process that converts non-sugar precursors – such as amino acids, glycerol and lactate – into glucose. This process takes place mainly in the liver cells and kidneys and increases during physical exertion and when we are hungry.
What is gluconeogenesis?
Gluconeogenesis is a physiological process (biosynthesis) that involves transforming, inter alia, amino acids into glucose in liver and kidney cells. During gluconeogenesis, large amounts of energy are produced and an adequate blood glucose concentration is maintained in conditions of its temporary deficiency. Simply put, gluconeogenesis is the process of creating the simplest of all sugars, i.e. glucose, from available non-sugar compounds (amino acids, glycerol, lactate, fatty acids and pyruvate) when there is not enough of it in the body to ensure its proper functioning.
The role of gluconeogenesis, or why it is so important
Gluconeogenesis is a natural mechanism for keeping blood glucose levels constant. Glucose is an essential substance for the maintenance of the body’s vital functions. Only the brain itself uses as much as 120 g of glucose a day under the so-called normal conditions – when solving difficult life tasks, it uses correspondingly more of it. Glucose is an essential source of energy for the body and an essential substance for the proper functioning of cellular metabolism. The nerve cells are the most sensitive to glucose deficiency. Glucose regulates many processes in the body, including fat metabolism, reduces the degree of poisoning with toxic substances and venoms, and accelerates wound healing. In other words, the proper level of glucose in the blood is necessary for the whole body to “function” properly, and in conditions of threat to life and health, it can effectively defend itself and regenerate. During physical exertion and hunger, the body quickly uses up the sugars necessary for energy transformations, including, of course, glucose. The mechanism of gluconeogenesis, triggered by the cells of the kidneys and liver, guarantees the maintenance of an adequate level of glucose in the blood, so as to ensure the proper functioning of tissues and the entire body. That is why carbohydrates are so important in the diet of athletes: if they are not supplied in the right amount with food, the body will start to produce glucose from the amino acids of muscle proteins during exercise.
What nutrients are essential for the proper course of gluconeogenesis?
For the proper course of the gluconeogenesis process, vitamin B3 and vitamin H are necessary. If there are too few of them in the body (for example due to an inadequate diet), gluconeogenesis cannot proceed as it should, which is definitely detrimental to health and may even be a threat. for life. Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, vitamin PP or nicotinic acid, is present in significant amounts in poultry and pork meat and meat products. It can also be absorbed from food by eating grains and potatoes. Vitamin H, also known as biotin or vitamin B7, is found in large amounts in liver, egg yolks, mushrooms, sardines and walnuts. The level of glucose in the blood and the amount of absorbed vitamins, and thus – the process of gluconeogenesis itself, is very adversely affected by eating highly processed food, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and a generally unhealthy lifestyle.