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Substrate Utilization Control

Meaning

Substrate Utilization Control is the highly dynamic, moment-to-moment physiological regulation that dictates which primary metabolic fuel—carbohydrates, fats, or proteins—is oxidized by specific tissues to meet the body’s immediate and local energy requirements. This precise, flexible control is central to metabolic flexibility, which is the ability of the body to efficiently switch between energy sources based on the immediate availability of nutrients and the current level of physical activity. Maintaining optimal control is essential for preventing systemic energy dysregulation and mitigating the long-term risk of metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.