GLOSSARY

Hexose Monophosphate Shunt supplies reducing power and nucleotide-precursor sugars in the cytosol.

The cytosolic pentose-phosphate branch supplies NADPH and nucleotide-building sugars. Its oxidative phase differs from nonoxidative sugar rearrangement, and it is not a major direct ATP source. Cellular needs determine carbon redistribution. Ribose or reducing-carrier roles do not alone prove a supplement improves energy or performance. Distinguish precursor chemistry and pathway potential from human outcomes rather than assuming every nucleotide-related compound bypasses ordinary fueling or guarantees rapid ATP restoration.

Oxidized and reduced NAD forms support energy-related electron transfer; the phosphorylated pair supports many biosynthetic and reductive-defense reactions. Their pools and ratios are not fully interchangeable. Vitamin precursors contribute to coenzyme production, but extra intake without deficiency does not guarantee greater flux or performance. An external sample also does not fully represent mitochondrial redox conditions. Distinguish precursor supply, local coenzyme turnover and demonstrated benefit from supplementing a related compound.

Phosphorylated intermediates retain glucose-derived carbon within cellular networks and support cleavage and group-transfer steps. Glucose phosphate can branch toward glycolysis, glycogen or the pentose pathway; some trioses also link glycerol synthesis. An intermediate's name identifies chemistry, not a guarantee that a higher level means greater flux. Its presence does not create a direct supplement recommendation, and local accumulation may reflect supply, consumption or a downstream constraint.