The Largest Metabolic Reserves for the Average Adult are Stored

Question

The largest metabolic reserves for the average adult are stored as
A) carbohydrates.
B) proteins.
C) amino acids.
D) triglycerides.
E) fatty acids.

Accepted Answer

Triglycerides (fat) are the largest metabolic reserves in the body, providing a long-term energy source. While carbohydrates are also stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles, these stores are relatively small and quickly depleted. Proteins and amino acids are not considered major energy reserves since the body prefers to use carbohydrates and fats for energy before resorting to breaking down proteins. Fatty acids are a component of triglycerides, but they are not stored separately as a metabolic reserve.