Carbohydrates

Classification of Carbohydrates

  • Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
  • They can be classified into three main types: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Monosaccharides

  • Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar units.
  • They include glucose, fructose, and galactose.
  • Glucose, in particular, is a vital energy source for cells and a main product of photosynthesis.

Disaccharides

  • Disaccharides are carbohydrates made up of two monosaccharides.
  • They include sucrose, maltose, and lactose.
  • Sucrose, or table sugar, is a common commercial sweetener made up of glucose and fructose.

Polysaccharides

  • Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates consisting of long chains of monosaccharide units.
  • They serve different roles in organisms, from energy storage (like starch in plants and glycogen in animals) to structural support (like cellulose in plant cell walls).

Digestion of Carbohydrates

  • Carbohydrates are broken down by the body into simpler sugars through the process of digestion.
  • Digestive enzymes, such as amylase and maltase, aid in the breakdown of the carbohydrate chains.
  • The end products of carbohydrate digestion, monosaccharides like glucose, are absorbed in the small intestine and transported to cells via the bloodstream.

Role in Energy Metabolism

  • Upon reaching the cells, glucose is broken down through the process of glycolysis to yield ATP, the major energy currency of cells.
  • Glucose metabolism also involves the processes of the Kreb’s Cycle and Electron Transport Chain in the mitochondria, both of which contribute further to ATP production.

Carbohydrates in the Diet

  • Carbohydrates should form a significant part of a balanced diet due to their role in providing energy.
  • Guidelines suggest around 50-55% of a person’s daily caloric intake should come from carbohydrates.
  • Complex carbohydrates found in foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables are considered healthier than simple sugars, as they are digested slower, providing longer-lasting energy and promoting feelings of satiety.

Impact of Carbohydrate Excess or Deficiency

  • Consuming an excess of carbohydrates, especially in the form of simple sugars, can lead to weight gain and associated health issues like type 2 diabetes.
  • Deficiency of carbohydrates can cause fatigue, lead to unhealthy weight loss, and may impact the body’s ability to function effectively.