Which nutrient is broken down by the body into simple sugars for energy?

Which nutrient is broken down by the body into simple sugars for energy?

• A. Proteins
• B. Fats
• C. None
• D. Carbohydrates

Answer: (D)

Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of ready-to-use energy because they are broken down into simple sugars, mainly glucose, which cells can immediately use for fuel. During digestion, enzymes such as amylase act on carbohydrates to break them down into monosaccharides. These simple sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to cells where glucose is used for immediate energy or stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles for later use. Proteins provide amino acids for growth and repair and are not primarily converted into sugar for energy, and fats supply energy more slowly through fatty acids and glycerol rather than becoming simple sugars. So, the nutrient that is broken down into simple sugars for energy is carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of ready-to-use energy because they are broken down into simple sugars, mainly glucose, which cells can immediately use for fuel. During digestion, enzymes such as amylase act on carbohydrates to break them down into monosaccharides. These simple sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to cells where glucose is used for immediate energy or stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles for later use. Proteins provide amino acids for growth and repair and are not primarily converted into sugar for energy, and fats supply energy more slowly through fatty acids and glycerol rather than becoming simple sugars. So, the nutrient that is broken down into simple sugars for energy is carbohydrates.