Caloric substrate

A **caloric substrate** is any organic molecule that provides energy (calories) to living cells via catabolism, including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and ketone bodies[3][4][8]. These substrates are metabolized by enzymatic pathways, such as glycolysis (for glucose), β-oxidation (for fatty acids), amino acid deamination, and ketone body oxidation, to produce ATP—the universal energy currency of the cell[6][7][3]. Selection of substrates depends on physiological circumstances (fasting, exercise, nutrient availability) and shifts dynamically between different classes. The term "caloric substrate" is a broad physiological concept, not a specific molecule, protein, receptor, or therapeutic target, and should not be used to designate a molecular drug target or biomarker[3][5][9]. For structured data and precision, select specific substrates like "Glucose," "Palmitate," "Ketone body," "Fatty acid," etc. when referencing molecular targets. "Caloric substrate" is imprecise and not recommended for use in target databases or structured pharmacology resources.

Other names

energy substraterespiratory substratemetabolic substratefuel substrate