Asked by Lauren Enloe on Jun 09, 2024
Verified
During periods of fasting, why is fat said to have a protein-sparing effect?
A) The body oxidizes its spare protein before it depletes its fat reserves.
B) The body metabolizes fats and proteins through the same metabolic pathways.
C) The body must have an adequate fat intake in order to absorb and metabolize proteins.
D) The body must have an adequate protein intake in order to absorb and metabolize fats.
E) The body does not oxidize its proteins unless it has consumed its fat reserves first.
Protein-sparing Effect
A phenomenon in nutrition where adequate carbohydrate intake prevents the breakdown of proteins for energy, thus sparing them for their primary functions.
Fat Reserves
Stored energy in the form of fat, accumulated in adipose tissue and used by the body during times of scarcity.
Body Oxidizes
The process by which the body metabolizes substances to produce energy, involving the transfer of electrons to oxygen.
- Understand the protein-sparing effect of fat during fasting.
Verified Answer
DG
Diego GaleanoJun 14, 2024
Final Answer :
E
Explanation :
During periods of fasting, the body prefers to use its fat reserves for energy before it starts breaking down proteins for energy, thus sparing proteins from being used as an energy source. This is because proteins are essential for other functions, such as repair and growth of tissues, and the body aims to preserve muscle and other protein-containing tissues as long as possible.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the protein-sparing effect of fat during fasting.