Which carbohydrate serves as the body's main source of energy?

Glucose is the body's main source of energy due to its critical role in cellular metabolism. It is a monosaccharide that is easily absorbed into the bloodstream and used by cells for energy production. Once ingested, carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars, primarily glucose, which is then transported through the blood to various tissues.

When glucose reaches the cells, it undergoes glycolysis, a process that converts it into pyruvate, generating ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell. This process is vital because ATP is necessary for a wide range of cellular functions, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and the synthesis of biomolecules.

In addition to being directly utilized for energy, glucose can also be stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen for later use, especially during periods of prolonged activity or when immediate energy needs are high.

The other carbohydrates, such as fructose, maltose, and lactose, do play roles in nutrition and energy metabolism but are not the primary or most efficient sources of energy in the way glucose is. Fructose, for instance, is absorbed differently and is metabolized primarily by the liver, while maltose and lactose are disaccharides that need to be broken down