What is the Origin of Substrate Delivery Timing?

A term from nutritional physiology, combining 'Substrate' (a reactant in a biochemical process, e.g., glucose, amino acids), 'Delivery' (the act of providing), and 'Timing' (the control of when something happens).

What is the Mechanism of Substrate Delivery Timing?

Optimal timing exploits the transient changes in cellular sensitivity, particularly insulin-mediated glucose and amino acid uptake, that occur in response to physical activity. Delivering the correct substrate at the peak window of opportunity ensures that the necessary building blocks and energy are immediately available to fuel muscle protein synthesis and replenish glycogen stores, thereby accelerating recovery and adaptation.

Substrate Delivery Timing ∞ Area

Substrate Delivery Timing

Meaning

The precise, chronometrically controlled ingestion of specific macronutrients or micronutrients in relation to periods of high metabolic demand, such as before, during, or immediately following exercise. This timing is utilized to optimize fuel availability, minimize catabolism, and maximize anabolic response.