Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are ubiquitous in the human dietary pattern and provide a widely accepted, often affordable, food for many consumers. Because of this, carbohydrates often serve as the primary energy source for many individuals, and their role in developing and maintaining a healthy eating pattern cannot be overlooked. In this chapter, the structure and function of carbohydrates is discussed, as well as their digestion, absorption, and metabolism. Dietary recommendations for carbohydrates, as well as the food sources that provide them in the diet, are discussed, as are the various health outcomes for which carbohydrates are thought to influence. Lastly, current trends in carbohydrate consumption are detailed, and thoughts for future research in carbohydrate science are presented.