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Cellular Fuel Utilization

Meaning

Cellular Fuel Utilization is the fundamental physiological process by which individual cells within the body selectively take up, process, and convert various substrates—primarily glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids—into usable chemical energy, mainly in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). This process is highly regulated and determines which energy source a cell prefers or is forced to use under different metabolic states, such as fasting or post-prandial conditions. The efficiency and flexibility of this utilization are critical determinants of metabolic health and overall energy homeostasis. Impairments in this function contribute significantly to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.