Explain the role of B vitamins in the body's ability to extract energy from macronutrients during physical activity. (5 marks)
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- B vitamins act as essential helpers in converting food into usable energy (ATP).
- This occurs because they enable chemical reactions that break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
- Without B vitamins, these reactions cannot happen properly, resulting in poor energy production.
- Different B vitamins have specific roles in energy pathways.
- B1 helps convert carbohydrates to energy, while B2 and B3 assist in breaking down fats and proteins.
- As a result, the body can extract energy from all types of food during exercise.
- B vitamin deficiency causes early fatigue in athletes.
- The reason for this is their muscles cannot efficiently produce ATP from food.
- For instance, B6 helps use stored glycogen while B12 supports oxygen transport for aerobic energy.
- Therefore, low B vitamin levels directly reduce exercise performance.
- All B vitamins work together to support continuous energy supply.
- This interaction ensures smooth energy production from various food sources throughout physical activity.
- Consequently, adequate B vitamin intake proves crucial for sustained athletic performance.
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Sample Answer
- B vitamins act as essential helpers in converting food into usable energy (ATP).
- This occurs because they enable chemical reactions that break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
- Without B vitamins, these reactions cannot happen properly, resulting in poor energy production.
- Different B vitamins have specific roles in energy pathways.
- B1 helps convert carbohydrates to energy, while B2 and B3 assist in breaking down fats and proteins.
- As a result, the body can extract energy from all types of food during exercise.
- B vitamin deficiency causes early fatigue in athletes.
- The reason for this is their muscles cannot efficiently produce ATP from food.
- For instance, B6 helps use stored glycogen while B12 supports oxygen transport for aerobic energy.
- Therefore, low B vitamin levels directly reduce exercise performance.
- All B vitamins work together to support continuous energy supply.
- This interaction ensures smooth energy production from various food sources throughout physical activity.
- Consequently, adequate B vitamin intake proves crucial for sustained athletic performance.