Carbohydrate Metabolism Guide
Monosaccharides
Glucose
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Primary energy source for brain and CNS
- Essential for neurological development
- Maintains blood glucose homeostasis
- Critical for cellular energy production (ATP)
Associated Disorders:
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
- Glycogen Storage Diseases
- Hypoglycemia (various types)
- GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome
- Neonatal Diabetes
Fructose
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Alternative energy source
- Component of sucrose
- Hepatic metabolism
- Glycogen synthesis
Associated Disorders:
- Hereditary Fructose Intolerance
- Fructose Malabsorption
- Essential Fructosuria
Galactose
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Essential for lactose synthesis
- Component of glycolipids and glycoproteins
- Brain and nervous tissue development
- Cell recognition processes
Associated Disorders:
- Classical Galactosemia
- Galactokinase Deficiency
- UDP-Galactose-4-epimerase Deficiency
Disaccharides
Lactose
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Primary carbohydrate in breast milk
- Calcium absorption enhancement
- Promotes beneficial gut flora
- Energy source for infants
Associated Disorders:
- Congenital Lactase Deficiency
- Developmental Lactase Deficiency
- Secondary Lactose Intolerance
Sucrose
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Rapid energy source
- Taste perception development
- Caloric density in nutrition
Associated Disorders:
- Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency
- Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID)
- Secondary Sucrase Deficiency
Polysaccharides
Starch
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Sustained energy release
- Dietary fiber source
- Glucose homeostasis
- Gut microbiota support
Associated Disorders:
- Malabsorption Syndromes
- Pancreatic Insufficiency
- Amylase Deficiency
Glycogen
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Energy storage
- Blood glucose regulation
- Muscle energy source
- Hepatic glucose homeostasis
Associated Disorders:
- Glycogen Storage Disease Type I (von Gierke)
- Glycogen Storage Disease Type II (Pompe)
- Glycogen Storage Disease Type III (Cori)
- Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV (Andersen)
- Glycogen Storage Disease Type V (McArdle)
Complex Carbohydrates
Cellulose
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Promotes intestinal motility
- Supports healthy gut microbiome
- Helps maintain bowel regularity
- Assists in toxin elimination
- Contributes to satiety
Associated Disorders:
- Chronic Constipation
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Cellulose-Specific Malabsorption
Pectin
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Prebiotic function
- Cholesterol regulation
- Glucose absorption modulation
- Gut barrier function support
Associated Disorders:
- Metabolic Syndrome in Children
- Pediatric Obesity
- Dysbiosis
Modified Carbohydrates
Resistant Starch
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Microbiota modulation
- Short-chain fatty acid production
- Colonic health maintenance
- Metabolic regulation
- Immune system support
Associated Disorders:
- Inflammatory Bowel Conditions
- Pediatric Metabolic Disorders
- Insulin Resistance
- Gut Dysbiosis
Oligosaccharides
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)
- Immune system development
- Prebiotic effects
- Brain development
- Pathogen protection
Associated Disorders:
- Immunodeficiency Conditions
- Necrotizing Enterocolitis
- Allergic Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Infections
Sugar Alcohols
Sorbitol
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Alternative sweetener
- Osmotic balance
- Dental caries prevention
Associated Disorders:
- Sorbitol Intolerance
- Osmotic Diarrhea
- Malabsorption Syndromes
Xylitol
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Dental health promotion
- Anti-cariogenic properties
- Upper respiratory health support
Associated Disorders:
- Xylitol Sensitivity
- Gastrointestinal Intolerance
- Osmotic Effects
Rare Carbohydrate-Related Conditions
Pentose Phosphate Pathway Disorders
Functions & Physiological Role:
- NADPH production
- Ribose-5-phosphate synthesis
- Nucleic acid production
- Oxidative stress protection
Associated Disorders:
- G6PD Deficiency
- Transaldolase Deficiency
- Ribose-5-Phosphate Isomerase Deficiency
- Transketolase Deficiency
Polyol Pathway Disorders
Functions & Physiological Role:
- Glucose alternative metabolism
- Osmotic balance regulation
- Cellular redox status
Associated Disorders:
- Diabetic Complications
- Hereditary Polyol Abnormalities
- Osmotic Stress Disorders
Disclaimer
The notes provided on Pediatime are generated from online resources and AI sources and have been carefully checked for accuracy. However, these notes are not intended to replace standard textbooks. They are designed to serve as a quick review and revision tool for medical students and professionals, and to aid in theory exam preparation. For comprehensive learning, please refer to recommended textbooks and guidelines.
