The importance of carbohydrates for the body



Carbohydrates are not essential for the body and are normally synthesized in it, e.g. from amino acids or glycerol.


 * Monosaccharides and disaccharides represent an important source of energy. They are especially necessary for brain cells and erythrocytes.


 * Polysaccharides serve as energy storage - glycogen in animals.

Carbohydrates also perform structural functions, for example as part of glycoproteins and glycolipids in membranes.

They also play a key role in the synthesis of nucleic acids or coenzymes. They are also part of the intercellular mass, for example in "proteoglycan molecules".