Excess dietary carbohydrates are converted by the liver into complex chains of glucose called glycogen. Glycogen is stored in liver and muscle cells and is a secondary source of energy to freely circulating blood glucose.

Carbohydrate Storage in Human Body

Carbohydrates are stored in the human body mainly in the form of glycogen.

Glycogen
- Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate that serves as a form of energy storage in animals, including humans.
- It is primarily stored in the liver and muscles.
- The liver stores glycogen to maintain blood glucose levels, while muscles store glycogen to provide energy during exercise.
- Glycogen is a branched polymer of glucose molecules that can be quickly broken down into glucose when energy is needed.

Storage in Liver
- The liver can store around 100 grams of glycogen.
- The stored glycogen in the liver is essential for maintaining blood glucose levels between meals and during fasting.
- When blood glucose levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen into glucose and releases it into the bloodstream.

Storage in Muscles
- Muscles can store a larger amount of glycogen, approximately 400 grams.
- Muscle glycogen is used as a direct energy source during physical activity, especially during intense exercise.
- The stored glycogen in muscles can only be used by the muscle cells and cannot be released into the bloodstream like liver glycogen.

Regulation of Glycogen Storage
- The storage of glycogen in the body is regulated by hormones such as insulin and glucagon.
- Insulin promotes the storage of glycogen, especially in the liver, after a meal when blood glucose levels are high.
- Glucagon signals the liver to break down glycogen into glucose when blood glucose levels are low.

In conclusion, glycogen is the primary form in which carbohydrates are stored in the human body, with the liver and muscles serving as the main storage sites. This storage and release of glycogen play a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose levels and providing energy for various metabolic processes and physical activities.

Glycerine