Carbohydrates in Human Nutrition

Monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrates; they cannot be hydrolyzed to smaller molecules.


 * Glucose is made in the body from the digestion of starch and disaccharide’s. The normal blood sugar range is between 3.9-6.1 mmol/litre.
 * Fructose is found in fruits and honey. It is converted to glucose in human metabolism.
 * Galactose is produced via breakdown of lactose (milk) and then changed to glucose for energy.

Disaccharides are two joined monosaccharides and are the simplest polysaccharides:
 * Sucrose
 * Lactose

Polysaccharides are made of many single saccharide units:
 * Starch (stored as glycogen)

Requirement


 * Optimum intake is 4-6g/kg body weight.
 * Sucrose intake should not exceed 10%.

Carbohydrates in the diet provide most of the energy to the body. They prevent breakdown of fats and proteins, which would cause excessive production of toxic metabolic by-products.

High intakes of sugar occur in many populations, this is linked to glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia and an increase in the occurrence of dental caries.

Related articles

 * Lipids and Carbohydrates in Human Nutrition
 * Minerals in Human Nutrition
 * Trace Elements in Human Nutrition
 * Food Contaminants