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Hormonal Substrate Partitioning

Meaning

Hormonal Substrate Partitioning refers to the endocrine-regulated distribution of ingested nutrients, or metabolic substrates, toward specific tissue fates—either storage (as fat or glycogen) or utilization (for energy or muscle repair). Hormones like insulin, glucagon, and Growth Hormone act as master regulators, directing amino acids toward muscle protein synthesis or glucose toward fat storage in adipose tissue. Optimal partitioning favors the shunting of energy toward lean body mass maintenance and away from metabolically harmful visceral fat deposition. This process is central to body composition management and metabolic health.