The document discusses sugars and sweeteners. It begins by explaining that sugars, also known as carbohydrates, are molecules produced by plants through photosynthesis from carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight. It then classifies carbohydrates based on their molecular structure as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, or polysaccharides. Examples of each type are provided. The document continues by explaining how sugars are metabolized and absorbed differently depending on their molecular structure. It notes some health effects of refined sugar consumption such as tooth decay, mineral depletion, increased risk of infection, weight gain, and fluctuations in mood and energy. The document emphasizes that refined sugars provide calories but lack nutrients and that children may be particularly vulnerable to negative