The alanine cycle functions very closely with glycolysis. During the alanine cycle, the pyruvate produced by glycolysis is converted to alanine in the muscles and then carried to the liver wherein converts to glucose.

As intensity and duration of exercise increase, alanine may indirectly involve in providing energy. The alanine cycle can generate up to 15% of total energy required for an exercise. During a prolonged exercise or training session, the alanine – glucose cycle would be responsible for up to 45% of glucose released by the liver.