Glykogeeniään

Glykogeeniään is the Finnish term for glycogen stores. Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate that serves as the primary form of glucose storage in animals, fungi, and bacteria. In humans, the majority of glycogen is stored in the liver and muscles. Liver glycogen plays a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis, releasing glucose into the bloodstream between meals to prevent hypoglycemia. Muscle glycogen, on the other hand, is primarily used as an immediate energy source for muscle contraction during physical activity.

The synthesis of glycogen, known as glycogenesis, is a process that occurs when glucose levels are high, such as after a meal. Enzymes facilitate the conversion of glucose into glycogen molecules. Conversely, when the body needs glucose, glycogenolysis breaks down glycogen into glucose molecules. This process is tightly regulated by hormones like insulin and glucagon. Insulin promotes glycogen synthesis, while glucagon stimulates glycogenolysis.

When glycogen stores are depleted, the body can also produce glucose through gluconeogenesis, a process that synthesizes glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors like amino acids and lactate. However, glycogen is the preferred and more readily accessible energy reserve. Maintaining adequate glycogen stores is vital for sustained physical performance and overall metabolic health.