Carbohydrates are mainly used as an energy source by the body. Different carbohydrates have different functions. The following chart identifies some common carbohydrates and their uses.
| Carbohydrate Name |
Type |
Use by the Body |
| Deoxyribose |
Monosaccharide |
DNA; constituent of hereditary material |
| Fructose |
Monosaccharide |
Important in cellular metabolism of carbohydrates |
| Galactose |
Monosaccharide |
Found in brain and nerve tissue |
| Glucose |
Monosaccharide |
Main energy source for the body |
| Ribose |
Monosaccharide |
Constituent of RNA |
| Lactose |
Disaccharide |
Milk sugar; aids the absorption of calcium |
| Sucrose |
Disaccharide |
Produces glucose and fructose upon hydrolysis |
| Cellulose |
Polysaccharide |
Not digestible by the body, but is an important fiber that provides bulk for the proper movement of food through the intestines |
| Glycogen |
Polysaccharide |
Stored in the liver and muscles until needed as energy source and is then converted to glucose |
| Heparin |
Polysaccharide |
Prevents excessive blood clotting |
| Starch |
Polysaccharide |
Chief food carbohydrate in human nutrition |
