Lipid fuels for exercise

Abstract

Most types of exercise use a combination of carbohydrate and lipid fuels. However, the proportion of the two fuels used depends on the intensity and duration of the exercise. The major advantage of lipid fuels e. g. fatty acids and lipid energy stores e. g. triacylglycerols are their energy density. Thus those forms of exercise with a long duration and a high total energy demand such as marathon running tend to use predominantly lipid fuels. The major advantage of carbohydrate fuels e. g. glucose and carbohydrate energy stores e. g. glycogen are the speed at which they can be made available. Thus those forms of exercise with a need for the rapid supply of energy over a limited period of time e. g. a 100 metre sprint tend to use predominantly carbohydrate fuels.