Carbohydrates

They are, in the form of grains and root vegetables the main source of energy for most people in the world. There is no absolute requirement for dietary carbohydrate, although the brain, red blood cells, lungs, nerves, and some cells in the kidney use glucose as a preferred source of energy.

Required for

They are the cheapest way to supply energy to the human body and an adequate supply of carbohydrates in the diet spares protein from being broken down for energy, leaving it intact for other growth and maintenance functions.

In countries such as Africa, Asia and the Middle East, about 70 - 80% of calories are supplied by carbohydrates, while the intake of calories from sugar sources are higher in more developed countries.

They are formed in plant material where solar energy is converted to chemical energy in the photosynthesis process, to some form of carbohydrates either in simple sugars or complex carbohydrates.

Monosaccharides (specially glucose) is the first to be formed and then combining to form disaccharides and polysaccharides.

To look at further information on the structures - have a look at:

• Simple Sugars
  • Monosaccharides
    • Glucose
    • Fructose
    • Galactose
  • Sugar Alcohol
  • & ethanol
  • Disaccharides
    • Sucrose
    • Maltose
    • Lactose
  • Trisaccharides
• Complex Carbohydrates
  • Dextrin
  • Starch
    • Modified starch
  • Cellulose
  • Methylcellulose
  • Glycogen
  • Polysaccharides
    • Pectin

The liver can also manufacture carbohydrates by converting amino acids, especially when dietary carbohydrates and sugars are too low, in order to maintain energy supply in the body.

Deficiency indications

When a person is on a carbohydrate-free diet, protein is used as energy source but the excessive breakdown of proteins to sugars can lead to excessive ketones being formed in the liver and in strict studies these people exhibited the same symptoms as those on a starvation regiment.

Symptoms include abnormal fat metabolism, breakdown of body protein, increased sodium excretion, loss of energy and fatigue. It has been found that small amounts of carbohydrates, between 50 to 100 g, can prevent these symptoms.

Dosage

The dosage underneath is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

No direct diet recommendation exist, but the average intake for females are around 177 gram, and for men 287 gram per day.

Toxicity

No toxicity exist for carbohydrates.

Nutritional information

Underneath we have information page on vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace elements, enzymes and various nutritional compounds that can impact greatly on your general health, well-being and longevity. Please note that these pages are for general information only and must not be used to treat or diagnose health concerns.