Carbohydrates

A class of energy-yielding nutrients that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, hence the common abbreviation of CHO.
?major function of carbohydrates is to provide energy, which includes sparing protein and preventing ketosis
The RDA for carbohydrates is set as the minimum amount needed to fuel the brain but not an amount adequate to satisfy typical energy needs
?Most experts recommend that 45% to 65% of total calories come from carbohydrates
?Added sugars limited to 6-10% of calories
?25 -38 g of fiber are recommended daily for adult women and men respectively
Carbohydrate Digestion
?Majority of carbohydrate digestion occurs in the small intestine, where disaccharides and starches are digested to monosaccharides
?Monosaccharides are absorbed through intestinal mucosal cells and transported to the liver through the portal vein
Monosaccharide
?the simplest of all sugars, are comprised of only one sugar molecule. The most common monosaccharide in foods are hexoses (six-carbon sugar molecules), namely glucose, fructose, and galactose. As basic units, these sugar molecules are absorbed “as is” without undergoing digestion.لا