Carbohydrates: Bountiful Sources of Energy and Nutrients

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to carbohydrates, their digestion, metabolism, health impacts, and associated conditions.

Carbohydrates

One of the three macronutrients; primary energy source (especially for nerve cells); composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; abundant in fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Glucose

Most abundant carbohydrate produced by photosynthesis; critical fuel for brain, red blood cells, and exercising muscle.

Photosynthesis

Plant process that uses sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose.

Simple Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates containing one or two sugar molecules (monosaccharides or disaccharides).

Monosaccharide

Single-sugar molecule; examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Disaccharide

Two linked sugar molecules; examples are lactose, maltose, and sucrose.

Fructose

Monosaccharide commonly called fruit sugar; naturally found in fruits and honey.

Galactose

Monosaccharide that joins with glucose to form lactose.

Lactose

Disaccharide composed of glucose + galactose; major sugar in milk.

Maltose

Disaccharide of glucose + glucose; formed during starch breakdown.

Sucrose

Disaccharide of glucose + fructose; common table sugar.

Complex Carbohydrates

Long chains of glucose molecules (polysaccharides) such as starch, glycogen, and fiber.

Polysaccharide

Carbohydrate made of many glucose units; includes starch, glycogen, and various fibers.

Starch

Plant storage form of glucose; abundant in grains, legumes, and tubers.

Glycogen

Animal storage form of glucose; stored in liver and muscles; not present in foods.

Fiber

Non-digestible parts of plants; supports plant structure and provides human health benefits.

Dietary Fiber

Naturally occurring, non-digestible carbohydrate found in whole foods like grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits.

Functional Fiber

Isolated or synthetic carbohydrate added to foods for beneficial effects (e.g., cellulose, pectin, psyllium).

Total Fiber

Sum of dietary fiber and functional fiber in a food.

Ketones

Alternative energy molecules produced when carbohydrate intake is insufficient.

Ketoacidosis

Dangerous condition of high blood acidity caused by excessive ketone accumulation.

Gluconeogenesis

Process of producing new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, typically amino acids.

Salivary Amylase

Enzyme in saliva that begins starch digestion in the mouth, producing maltose.

Pancreatic Amylase

Enzyme released into the small intestine to further digest starch into maltose.

Maltase

Small-intestinal enzyme that splits maltose into two glucose molecules.

Sucrase

Small-intestinal enzyme that splits sucrose into glucose and fructose.

Lactase

Small-intestinal enzyme that splits lactose into glucose and galactose.

Lactose Intolerance

Inability to digest lactose due to low lactase production; causes GI distress.

Insulin

Hormone from pancreatic beta cells that lowers blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake and stimulating glycogen synthesis.

Glucagon

Hormone from pancreatic alpha cells that raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood glucose; may be caused by excessive insulin; symptoms include shakiness and sweating.

Glycemic Index

Ranking of a food’s ability to raise blood glucose levels.

Glycemic Load

Measure factoring both carbohydrate amount and glycemic index to predict blood-glucose response.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Carbohydrate

130 g/day—the minimum to supply the brain with glucose.

Adequate Intake (AI) for Fiber

25 g/day for women and 38 g/day for men.

Diabetes

Group of disorders characterized by inability to regulate blood glucose; includes type 1, type 2, and gestational forms.

Type 1 Diabetes

Autoimmune disorder where pancreas produces little or no insulin; requires injections.

Type 2 Diabetes

Most common diabetes; cells become insulin-resistant; linked to obesity and inactivity.

Gestational Diabetes

Glucose intolerance first recognized during pregnancy.

Hyperglycemia

Persistently high blood glucose often seen in uncontrolled diabetes.

Beta Cells

Pancreatic cells that synthesize and secrete insulin.

Alpha Cells

Pancreatic cells that synthesize and secrete glucagon.

Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins in the rectal area; risk reduced by adequate fiber intake.

Diverticulosis

Formation of pouches in the colon wall; adequate fiber helps prevent it.