Carbohydrates are sugars that provide the body with energy. There are two types - simple carbohydrates like refined sugars and fruits, and complex carbohydrates like grains. Carbohydrates are digested and absorbed for energy, and the best choices are whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Disorders can result from too few or too many carbohydrates, such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, and lactose intolerance. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar is too low and symptoms include shakiness, dizziness, and mood changes.

1. CarbohydratesBy Christina CheshireSCI/241June 30, 2011

2. What is it?Carbohydrates are sugar.

3. FunctionsProvide Energy Provide energy for daily activityProvide energy to allow proper organ functionProvide the energy of life

4. Types of CarbohydratesThere are two types of carbohydratesSimple Carbohydrates Consist of monosaccharides, the most basic unit of a carbohydrate. Simple sugarsComplex Carbohydrates Consist of polysaccharidesStarches (Gavin, 2008)

5. ExamplesSimple carbohydratesRefined sugarsFruit Milk. Complex carbohydratesGrain products (Gavin, 2008)

6. Body’s Need Major source of energyVarying length of energy

7. DigestionEatingMouthSmall IntestineAbsorption

8. BenefitsEnergy, energy, energy!

9. Healthy ChoicesThe best choicesWhole grainsVegetablesFruits Beans (2009)

10. Carbohydrate DisordersMany disorders from lack/abundance of carbohydrates. Examples:Lactose intoleranceDiabetesHypoglycemia

11. HypoglycemiaHypoglycemia = low blood glucose (sugar) SymptomsShakiness Dizziness Sweating Hunger Headache Pale skin color Sudden moodiness or behavior changes, such as crying for no apparent reason Clumsy or jerky movements Seizure Difficulty paying attention, or confusion Tingling sensations around the mouth When in doubt, treat.

12. ReferencesThe Nutrition Source Carbohydrates. Retrieved Junev30, 2011, from Carbohydrates: What Should You Eat? Web site: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/carbohydrates/ (2008). Hypoglycemia. Retrieved June 30, 2011, from American Diabetes Association Web site: http://www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/hypoglycemia.jspGavin, Mary (2008). Learning About Carbohydrates. Retrieved June 30, 2011, from Kids Health Web site: http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/carb.html