Glycogen: The Body’s Energy Bank Explained
Glycogen is a vital yet often overlooked component of human metabolism. It plays a crucial role in energy storage and release, bridging the gap between the food we eat and the fuel our bodies need to function. From its discovery by Dr. Dorothy Hansine Andersen to its implications in athletic performance and rare genetic diseases, glycogen has wide-reaching significance in human health. This article explores glycogen in depth—what it is, how it works, how it affects health, and what happens when it goes wrong. What Is Glycogen? Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate—a polysaccharide—composed of many glucose molecules linked together. It serves as the primary storage form of glucose in the human body and can be quickly broken down (hydrolyzed) into glucose when energy is needed. Unlike simple sugars that circulate freely in the blood, glycogen is stored for future use. It acts like an energy bank, allowing the body to deposit and withdraw glucose as needed, especially during physical ac...
