NCSF Sport Nutrition Specialist Certification Practice Test – Complete Exam Prep

Hormone-sensitive lipase primarily acts upon intramuscular triglycerides. This enzyme plays a critical role in mobilizing stored fats by breaking down triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol, particularly in adipose tissue and muscle cells during periods of fasting or exercise.

Intramuscular triglycerides serve as a valuable source of energy during extended periods of physical activity, especially in endurance sports. When energy demands increase, hormone-sensitive lipase is activated by hormones such as epinephrine and glucagon, which leads to the hydrolysis of triglycerides stored within muscle fibers.

Understanding the specific functioning of hormone-sensitive lipase is essential for applying nutritional strategies that optimize performance and recovery in athletes. This knowledge underscores the importance of catering dietary strategies to support energy metabolism in active muscles, highlighting how different types of triglycerides serve distinct roles in energy provision during exercise.