Nutrition for Nurses: Carbohydrates

Questions and Answers

What components are carbohydrates primarily made of?

Carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (correct)

Carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur

Carbon, oxygen, and phosphorus

Which of the following is a monosaccharide important for human nutrition?

Maltose

Lactose

Sucrose

Glucose (correct)

What role do carbohydrates play in wellness promotion?

Enhance vitamin absorption

Replace proteins in diet

Increase metabolism of fats

Provide energy for the body (correct)

Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down starch in the mouth?

Salivary amylase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary end product of carbohydrate metabolism?

Simple sugars Signup and view all the answers

Disaccharides are formed by linking which types of molecules?

Monosaccharides Signup and view all the answers

Where in the human body is the action of carbohydrate enzymes completed?

Small intestine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following carbohydrates is a compound made of multiple monosaccharide units?

Starch Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary composition of the disaccharide sucrose?

One glucose and one fructose Signup and view all the answers

Which type of carbohydrate is known for gastrointestinal health benefits?

Complex carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What can result from the rapid metabolism of disaccharides?

Spike in blood glucose Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following foods is a source of fiber?

Pinto beans Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of American adults and children are estimated to not consume recommended amounts of fiber?

95% Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs)?

High in sodium and fat, with a long shelf life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following food items exemplifies a transition from whole food to ultraprocessed food?

Apple to applesauce Signup and view all the answers

How are fiber and starch different in terms of digestion?

Starch is digestible while fiber is not Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary risk associated with high consumption of ultraprocessed foods?

Higher risk of type 2 diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach for increasing dietary fiber?

Increase high-fiber foods gradually Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily lactose intake for individuals diagnosed with lactose intolerance?

12–15 g Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is more likely to show better tolerance of lactose-containing foods?

Northern Europeans Signup and view all the answers

What type of carbohydrate should ideally make up 50–65% of daily calories for healthy adults?

Whole or minimally processed carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What tool is used to understand the impact of certain foods on blood glucose levels?

Glycemic index Signup and view all the answers

Which of these foods typically has a high glycemic index?

Cookies and cakes Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the glycemic load in comparison to the glycemic index?

It predicts the timing and rise of blood glucose more accurately. Signup and view all the answers

If a person limits their dairy intake due to lactose intolerance, what should they pursue to maintain their calcium and vitamin D levels?

Plant-based dairy alternatives Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms can arise from lactose intolerance due to a lack of lactase enzyme?

Bloating, gas, and diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the United States population is estimated to have lactose intolerance?

33% Signup and view all the answers

What type of carbohydrate is noted to cause spikes in blood glucose levels?

Monosaccharides Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal percentage of caloric intake that carbohydrates should make up?

50–65% Signup and view all the answers

Which diet is characterized by high consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats?

Mediterranean diet Signup and view all the answers

What impact does a plant-forward meal plan generally have on health?

Lowers spikes in blood glucose Signup and view all the answers

What common health issues are associated with diets high in ultraprocessed carbohydrates?

Obesity and heart disease Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diets is designed to reduce hypertension?

DASH diet Signup and view all the answers

In endurance sports, what dietary practice is known to maximize glycogen stores before competition?

Carbohydrate loading Signup and view all the answers

What type of carbohydrate is primarily found in dairy products?

Lactose Signup and view all the answers

How does a diet rich in whole foods contribute to gut health?

Enhances good gut microbiota Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of lactase in the digestion of dairy products?

It hydrolyzes lactose into galactose and glucose Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of adding excessive sugar, salt, or fat during carbohydrate processing?

Increases health risks associated with carbohydrate consumption Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Carbohydrates Overview

Carbohydrates encompass starches, cellulose, and sugars, composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, and dairy products, they can be categorized into simple and complex carbohydrates.

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Enzymatic action in the mouth and small intestine converts carbohydrates into cellular energy.
Main end products are glucose, galactose, and fructose, with glucose being the primary energy source for the brain and nervous system.

Disaccharides

Formed by linking monosaccharides; examples include:
- Sucrose: composed of glucose and fructose
- Lactose: composed of glucose and galactose
- Maltose: composed of two glucose molecules
Rapid disaccharide breakdown leads to blood glucose spikes within 10–15 minutes, posing risks for diabetics.

Complex Carbohydrates and Fiber

Complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) consist of long glucose chains, forming starch and fiber.
Starch is digestible, while fiber, primarily plant cellulose, aids gastrointestinal health and protects against several diseases (e.g., colorectal cancer, diabetes).

Fiber Intake

Recommended fiber intake varies, yet over 95% of Americans fall short.
Increasing fiber intake should be gradual to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort, along with adequate hydration.

Ultraprocessed Foods (UPFs)

Defined as foods not in their natural state, often containing high levels of sodium and fat, contributing to 50–60% of energy consumption in high-income countries.
UPFs are lower in fiber and higher in sugar and salt due to refining processes, increasing disease risk (e.g., type 2 diabetes).

Carbohydrates and Disease Prevention

Carbohydrate intake should constitute 50–65% of total caloric intake, focusing on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables rather than sugars and processed snacks.
Plant-forward diets promote lower glycemic responses and are linked to reduced rates of chronic diseases.

Diets for Health

Mediterranean and DASH diets are highlighted for their high fiber and complex carbohydrate content and associated health benefits, including lower risks of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Carbohydrates for Athletes

Athletes require carbohydrates for energy, using circulating glucose and stored glycogen during exercise.
Carbohydrate loading maximizes energy reserves before competitions.

Lactose and Dairy

Lactose, found in dairy, is a disaccharide requiring lactase for digestion, with a significant portion of the population experiencing lactose intolerance.
Symptoms include bloating and gas, and lactose-intolerant individuals can often tolerate small amounts.

Blood Glucose Management

Monitoring carbohydrate intake is crucial for blood glucose control; sugars cause rapid spikes, while starch and fiber have a milder effect.
The glycemic index ranks foods based on their glucose impact, while glycemic load offers a more comprehensive assessment by accounting for serving size.

Nutritional Strategies

Recommended strategies include focusing on self-management in diabetes care and choosing low-glycemic index foods for stable blood sugar levels.

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Description

Test your understanding of carbohydrates and their role in nutrition with this quiz for nurses. The content focuses on the nutritional functions of carbohydrates and their impact on wellness. Challenge yourself and enhance your knowledge in the field of nursing nutrition!