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Neural Energy Substrate Utilization

Meaning

Neural Energy Substrate Utilization refers to the brain’s capacity to efficiently metabolize various fuel sources—primarily glucose, but also lactate and ketone bodies—to generate the high levels of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) required for neurotransmission and maintaining ion gradients. Optimal utilization is critical for sustained cognitive function, mood stability, and the complex, energy-intensive regulation of the neuroendocrine axes. Impaired utilization can manifest as brain fog or cognitive fatigue.