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
