Performance Substrate Assessment is the clinical evaluation of the body’s available molecular resources that directly fuel physical and cognitive activity and recovery. This comprehensive analysis extends beyond simple glucose measurement to include circulating levels of essential amino acids, fatty acids, key vitamins, and cofactors required for ATP production and neurotransmitter synthesis. Optimizing these substrates is a prerequisite for sustained energy, mental clarity, and efficient muscle repair. This assessment provides the tangible biochemical data needed for precision nutritional and metabolic intervention.
Origin
This term is a clinical and physiological construct, combining “performance” (functional output) with “substrate” (the raw material) and “assessment” (the evaluation). It is rooted in the principles of bioenergetics and nutritional biochemistry. The concept emphasizes that performance is fundamentally limited by the availability of molecular building blocks and energy sources.
Mechanism
The mechanism involves analyzing the metabolic pathways responsible for energy generation, specifically the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Key substrates, such as branched-chain amino acids and medium-chain triglycerides, are evaluated for their bioavailability and utilization efficiency. Hormones like insulin and glucagon profoundly influence the partitioning and availability of these substrates, highlighting the critical interplay between endocrinology and cellular bioenergetics.
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