What are carbohydrates primarily made up of?

Carbohydrates are primarily made up of units called saccharides. Saccharides are the basic building blocks of carbohydrates and can be classified into three main groups: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides, such as glucose and fructose, are single sugar molecules. Disaccharides, like sucrose and lactose, consist of two monosaccharide units. Polysaccharides, including starch and glycogen, are long chains of monosaccharide units linked together.

Understanding that carbohydrates are composed of saccharides highlights their fundamental role in providing energy to the body, as they can be quickly broken down into glucose, which is used for fuel. This structure differentiates them from proteins, fats, and vitamins, which have distinct compositions and functions in the body.