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Optimized Substrate Utilization

Meaning

Optimized Substrate Utilization is the metabolic state where the body, at the cellular level, efficiently and flexibly switches between different energy sources—primarily glucose, fatty acids, and ketones—to meet its energy demands. This metabolic flexibility is a hallmark of youthful health and is crucial for preventing insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Optimization ensures that the most appropriate fuel is oxidized for a given physiological state, whether at rest, during exercise, or in a fasting state. This efficient switching maximizes energy production and minimizes the accumulation of metabolic waste products.