Information about Metabolism

The human metabolism comprises life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms. Its main functions include the conversion of energy from food into usable energy for cellular processes, the conversion of food into building blocks for proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and some carbohydrates, and the elimination of metabolic degradation products. Metabolic reactions are organised into metabolic pathways that are catalysed by specific enzymes. These processes enable organisms to grow, reproduce, maintain their structures and respond to their environment.

Changes in the human metabolism occur particularly with ageing, but also as a result of smoking, diabetes, chronic eye diseases, obesity or increased blood pressure. This also changes the balance between the supply of micronutrients through blood circulation on one hand and the removal of metabolic degradation products on the other hand. These changes can lead to a metabolic disorder which can, in turn, impair eyesight and as a consequence affect the quality of life.