Anabolism and Catabolism

Anabolism includes the chemical reactions that cause different molecules to combine to from larger, more complex ones. The net result of anabolism is the creation of new cellular material, such as enzymes, proteins, cells, cell membranes, and tissues. Anabolism is necessary for growth, maintenance, and tissue repair.

Catabolism includes the chemical reactions that break down complex molecules into simpler ones for energy production, for recycling of their molecular components, or for their excretion. If energy is produced, it is stored as glycogen or fat. Recently, the trend in sports nutrition has been to focus on anti-catabolic training methods and nutrients. For example, when the muscles are strenuously trained and the muscle fibers are damaged, cortisol is released at a higher level, speeding up the breakdown of tissues. Nutrients such as L-Glutamine have been shown to reduce the effects of cortisol, resulting in reduced tissue breakdown. Antioxidants and a number of phytochemicals also have anti-catabolic effects, as does high protein and all around good nutrition. By reducing the rate of catabolism, anabolism is increased, resulting in faster recovering, a higher level of performance, and an increased growth rate.