Skeletal muscle glycogen stores are approximately how many grams?

• A. 50-100 g
• B. 200-250 g
• C. 300-400 g
• D. 500-600 g

Answer: (C)

Muscle glycogen serves as the main readily available energy reserve for working muscles, so the body stores a substantial amount in skeletal muscle. In an average adult, skeletal muscle glycogen is about 300–400 grams, which translates to roughly 1,200–1,600 kcal of usable energy when oxidized during activity. This amount can vary with total muscle mass, training status, and carbohydrate intake, with larger or well-trained individuals often having higher stores. Keep in mind that this glycogen stays in the muscle to fuel contractions and cannot be released to raise blood glucose, unlike liver glycogen, which is typically about 100 grams.