Which of the following is an example of glycogenic compounds?

• A. Glucose, Fructose, Lactose
• B. Water, Ethanol, Glycerin
• C. Sucrose, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol
• D. Starch, Cellulose, Maltose

Answer: (C)

Glycogenic compounds are nutrients that can be converted into glucose in the body, feeding energy needs or glycogen synthesis. Sucrose is a carbohydrate that, once digested, yields glucose (and fructose), providing a direct glucose source. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is metabolized to fructose and then to glycolytic intermediates that can feed gluconeogenesis to glucose. Glycerin (glycerol) is converted to glycerol-3-phosphate and then to dihydroxyacetone phosphate, entering gluconeogenesis to form glucose. Propylene glycol is metabolized to pyruvate (via intermediates like lactate), which can also enter gluconeogenesis to become glucose.

In contrast, water cannot be metabolized to glucose, and ethanol metabolism tends to impair gluconeogenesis rather than provide glucose. Starch and maltose would supply glucose, but cellulose is not digested by humans and does not contribute to glucose production. Therefore, the combination that includes only glycogenic substances is the one with sucrose, sorbitol, glycerin, and propylene glycol.