Question

Why do sports persons take glucose?

Answer 1

Hint:Glucose is a simple carbohydrate or a monosaccharide. It contains an aldehyde functional group. Glucose acts as a source of instant energy.

Complete answer:
People who are actively involved in sports generally need higher energy levels than that of a normal human. Their daily energy intake must be around - fats - 25 to 30%, carbohydrates - 55 to 58% and protein - 12 to 15%.
i) Sportspeople perform a lot of physical activity and strenuous tasks for very long hours in a day
ii) They are constantly utilizing energy in their body which is produced from the intake of their diet.
iii) Glucose is a simple sugar which can be broken down easily to produce energy in the form of ATP.
iv) Absorption of glucose is also very fast in the blood.
v) Therefore, sports persons are given glucose as it provides them instant energy to do their tasks.

Additional Information:
i) In human beings, glucose is stored in the form of Glycogen in the liver.
ii) During the shortage of glucose in blood during exercise and starvation, glycogen is converted into glucose by gluconeogenesis.
iii) Other precursors for glucose are pyruvate, amino acids and glycerol.
iv) Reduced blood sugar levels increase the level of hormone Glucagon.

Note:Glucose acts as an important fuel in the body which helps in generation of energy. This energy is utilized by cells to perform metabolic and biological functions. Glucose is of primary importance for brain cells, RBCs and muscle cells during physical exercise.