The Energy Balance Podcast

EB. 135: Eric Westman Debate Follow-Up: The Research on Low-Carb Vs High-Carb Diets

Sep 11, 2025
Explore the fascinating effects of low-carb diets on mitochondrial function and energy production. Delve into the hormonal impacts of carbohydrate restriction, including how it influences insulin resistance. Discover the confusion surrounding glucose metabolism versus fat oxidation and the implications for health. Uncover new insights from rodent studies and their relevance to human metabolism. The discussion raises questions about the efficiency of fat metabolism and its connection to oxidative stress, inviting listeners to rethink dietary choices.
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INSIGHT

Fat Oxidation Is Less Efficient Than Glucose

  • Fat oxidation is inherently less efficient than glucose oxidation due to beta-oxidation producing more FADH2 relative to NADH.
  • This raises ROS and slows ATP production, especially under high energy demand in tissues like the brain.
INSIGHT

FADH2:NADH Ratio Drives ETC Stress

  • Beta-oxidation yields a ~2.5x greater FADH2:NADH ratio than glucose oxidation, altering electron flow at the ETC.
  • That causes coenzyme Q reduction, potential reverse electron transport, and elevated ROS production.
INSIGHT

Redox Shift Slows The Citric Acid Cycle

  • Increased NADH:NAD+ from fat metabolism inhibits key TCA enzymes and pyruvate dehydrogenase.
  • That feedback slows the citric acid cycle and blocks glucose entry into aerobic metabolism.
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