The
universal energy medium available for the processes in the muscle cells
is ATP, adenosine triphosphate. The majority of food intake serves to
supply energy. Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are broken down in the
body («burnt»), thereby releasing energy. This energy is passed
on to the ATP and is available in this form, as an energy-rich compound,
for the cell functions. We have only a very limited storage capacity for
the ATP. Our reserves are sufficient for just a few seconds. For this
reason, ATP is continuously replenished. After you have eaten, you store
the digested foods either as glycogen (a carbohydrate) or as fat. When
your body needs the energy, it obtains this first from carbohydrates and
then from the fat, in order to use these nutrients in an energy-generating
way (oxidation).
Aerobic oxidation
If sufficient oxygen is available, the so-called aerobic oxidation takes place in the body. This is always the case when we breathe normally, for example during some sports activity when we can still speak to one another without difficulty. From one part of the carbohydrates, for example a glucose molecule, 38 ATP molecules are formed via various intermediates. Aerobic oxidation supplies the most energy. That’s why we can only do endurance sports at a rate of performance which allows us to breathe easily.
Anaerobic oxidation
Anaerobic oxidation takes place when we breathe too little for short periods. That’s the case, for example, during a highspeed sprint.
Here, only 2 ATP molecules can be obtained fro
m a glucose molecule. The energy yield is therefore much poorer. In addition, during anaerobic oxidation lactic acid is produced, which leads to excess acid in the blood and is associated with a drop in performance.
Anaerobic oxidation only allows us to engage in very short sports exertions. In conclusion, this means that with oxygen it is possible to obtain 16 times more energy from the same amount of carbohydrates:
Aerobic oxidation
If sufficient oxygen is available, the so-called aerobic oxidation takes place in the body. This is always the case when we breathe normally, for example during some sports activity when we can still speak to one another without difficulty. From one part of the carbohydrates, for example a glucose molecule, 38 ATP molecules are formed via various intermediates. Aerobic oxidation supplies the most energy. That’s why we can only do endurance sports at a rate of performance which allows us to breathe easily.
Anaerobic oxidation
Anaerobic oxidation takes place when we breathe too little for short periods. That’s the case, for example, during a highspeed sprint.
Here, only 2 ATP molecules can be obtained fro
m a glucose molecule. The energy yield is therefore much poorer. In addition, during anaerobic oxidation lactic acid is produced, which leads to excess acid in the blood and is associated with a drop in performance.
Anaerobic oxidation only allows us to engage in very short sports exertions. In conclusion, this means that with oxygen it is possible to obtain 16 times more energy from the same amount of carbohydrates: