Gluconeogenesis

[ShannonM]

It would be great if some science folks like Georgiana and neutronnorman could weigh in on this and translate the scientific geekspeak to English for me.

I was wondering - how would you know if your body is in the process of converting excess protein into carbs? Would you know? Can it be measured (by laypeople, not lab researchers)?

This is not a pressing issue for me, but I was curious.

[Georgiana]

Re: Gluconeogenesis

Aahhh... sorry Shannon! I missed this thread.

I was wondering - how would you know if your body is in the process of converting excess protein into carbs?

First of all, gluconeogenesis is not restricted to low carbers. Those consuming a high carbohydrate diet will also "use" it -- for example, when exercising heavily -- so it is something "normal" for the body.

Second, for low carbers in particular, gluconeogenesis is an extremely useful process that happens not only when one consumes "excess" protein. Certain body parts (for e.g., red blood cells and parts of the brain) can only obtain their energy from glucose, so glucose is required. What is not required in order to have enough glucose available is dietary carbohydrate.

Can it be measured (by laypeople, not lab researchers)?

Nope. It happens quietly in the background... and it's not something "bad".

[ShannonM]

Re: Gluconeogenesis

No problem. Thanks for the helpful (and interesting) info!