What is the main function of carbohydrates during intense exercise?

The primary role of carbohydrates during intense exercise is to provide energy. When engaging in activities that require high levels of exertion, the body relies on carbohydrates to fuel muscular work. This is primarily because carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which serves as a quick and accessible source of energy for the muscles. The body can rapidly metabolize glucose through anaerobic (without oxygen) pathways during high-intensity activities, allowing for sustained physical performance.

During moderate to high-intensity exercise, carbohydrates can be more efficiently utilized for energy than fats, making them crucial for athletes or individuals undergoing strenuous workouts. This reliance on carbohydrates is especially evident as glycogen stores in the muscles and liver get depleted during prolonged or intense exercise sessions.

The other options indicate functions that are not primarily associated with carbohydrates during intense physical activity. Repairing muscles is typically a function of protein, storing fat relates to lipid metabolism rather than carbohydrate use, and regulating metabolism involves various processes that can include hormones and enzymes but is not the direct role of carbohydrates during exercise.