The specialized field of nutritional and metabolic endocrinology that investigates how the body selectively directs ingested macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—toward different physiological fates, such as immediate energy use, storage as glycogen or adipose tissue, or utilization for structural repair. This process is tightly regulated by key metabolic hormones, including insulin, glucagon, and growth hormone. Optimizing fuel partitioning is central to managing body composition and metabolic health.
Origin
The concept is rooted in classical biochemistry and physiology, evolving with the understanding of metabolic pathways and the discovery of key regulatory hormones. The term ‘Partitioning’ explicitly refers to the distribution of substrate, emphasizing the regulatory control exerted by the endocrine system over nutrient fate.
Mechanism
Insulin is the primary anabolic hormone, promoting the uptake of glucose into muscle and adipose tissue and directing excess energy toward storage. Conversely, hormones like glucagon and catecholamines promote the mobilization of stored fuels. The efficiency and direction of fuel partitioning are governed by the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to these hormonal signals, particularly insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat cells. Dysregulation of this process leads to metabolic disorders like insulin resistance and ectopic fat deposition.
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