Glycogen
Other names: Glycogen, animal starch
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
Glycogen, or animal starch, is a polysaccharide that plays a key role in glucose metabolism and blood sugar maintenance. It is the main way the body stores glucose, which is the primary source of energy for all bodily functions. Glycogen is produced and stored primarily in the liver and muscle tissue. In the muscles, it serves as a source of quick energy during strenuous physical activity.
In industry, glycogen is used in several sectors. In the food industry, it is used as a component of some food supplements and special diets for athletes because it provides rapidly available energy. In the pharmaceutical industry, glycogen is used in the production of some drugs, for example for the treatment of diabetes. In research and biotechnology, glycogen is used as a substrate for various enzymatic reactions, for example, to study glucose metabolism. In cosmetics, glycogen appears in some skin and hair care products because of its ability to bind water and thus increase hydration. Glycogen is therefore a very important substance that has a wide range of uses both in the human body and in industry.