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Metabolic Switching Velocity

Meaning

Metabolic Switching Velocity is a quantifiable physiological metric that describes the rate and efficiency at which a cell or organism can transition its primary fuel source between carbohydrate-derived glucose and lipid-derived fatty acids or ketones. A high velocity is indicative of metabolic flexibility, allowing the body to rapidly and smoothly adapt its energy substrate utilization in response to changes in nutrient availability, such as during fasting or intense exercise. This flexibility is a hallmark of youthful metabolic health, correlating strongly with optimized insulin sensitivity and reduced systemic inflammation. A slow velocity, or metabolic rigidity, is a common feature in pre-diabetic states and age-related metabolic decline.