Amino acids are used as the primary energy source when:

Amino acids are used as the primary energy source when:

• A. When there is an insufficient amount of fat available
• B. When there is an insufficient amount of carbs available
• C. When there is an excess of protein
• D. During hydration

Answer: (B)

When carbohydrate availability is low, the body relies more on amino acids to fuel energy needs and to maintain blood glucose. Many amino acids can be converted into glucose in the liver (gluconeogenesis) or fed into energy pathways as carbon skeletons, helping to supply tissues that depend on glucose. This is why amino acids are used as an energy source when carbs are insufficient. If fats are still available, they continue to provide the bulk of energy, and hydration doesn’t directly determine energy substrates. An excess of protein doesn’t automatically make amino acids the primary energy source unless carbohydrate and fat supplies are also limited.

When carbohydrate availability is low, the body relies more on amino acids to fuel energy needs and to maintain blood glucose. Many amino acids can be converted into glucose in the liver (gluconeogenesis) or fed into energy pathways as carbon skeletons, helping to supply tissues that depend on glucose. This is why amino acids are used as an energy source when carbs are insufficient. If fats are still available, they continue to provide the bulk of energy, and hydration doesn’t directly determine energy substrates. An excess of protein doesn’t automatically make amino acids the primary energy source unless carbohydrate and fat supplies are also limited.