ISSA Nutritionist Practice Exam

What must fructose be converted to in the body before it can be utilized for energy?

1. Glucose

2. Fatty acids

3. Amino acids

4. Lactate

The correct answer is: Glucose

Fructose must be converted to glucose in the body before it can be utilized for energy. This conversion occurs primarily in the liver. Once fructose is absorbed in the intestines, it enters the bloodstream and travels to the liver. There, fructose is phosphorylated and transformed through various enzymatic reactions into intermediates that eventually produce glucose. Glucose is a critical energy source for the body's cells, especially for the brain and muscles during intense activity. Once fructose is converted to glucose, it can either be used immediately for energy or stored as glycogen for future use. This metabolic pathway ensures that the body can efficiently utilize fructose and integrate it into the broader context of energy production and storage. While other metabolic routes for fructose exist—such as converting it to fatty acids or other compounds—these are not the primary means of energy utilization. Instead, the conversion to glucose is essential for tapping into the body's preferred energy source.