ISSA Nutritionist Practice Exam

Excess energy is stored in adipose tissue in what form?

1. Proteins

2. Sugars

3. Triglycerides

4. Fatty acids

The correct answer is: Triglycerides

Excess energy is stored in adipose tissue primarily in the form of triglycerides. Triglycerides are composed of three fatty acids esterified to glycerol, making them an efficient way for the body to store energy. When the body consumes more calories than it requires for immediate energy needs, the excess calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipose tissue. This stored energy can be mobilized and utilized by the body during periods of fasting or increased energy demand. While proteins, sugars, and fatty acids are all important components of metabolism, they do not represent the primary storage form of excess energy in adipose tissue. Proteins play various roles in the body, but they are not stored as a long-term energy reserve in adipose tissue. Sugars, such as glucose, can be stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen but are not the main storage form in adipose tissue either. Fatty acids are components of triglycerides and can be released from adipose tissue when energy is needed, but they are not stored in a free state in adipose tissue. Overall, triglycerides are the correct and predominant form of energy storage in this context.