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Metabolic Fuel Switching Efficiency

Meaning

The physiological capacity of the body to rapidly and effectively transition between utilizing different primary energy substrates, primarily glucose (carbohydrates) and fatty acids (fats/ketones), for cellular energy production. High efficiency in fuel switching, often termed metabolic flexibility, is a hallmark of robust metabolic health and is fundamentally regulated by insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function. Impairment is a key feature of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.