ISSA Nutritionist Practice Exam

Which type of carbohydrate is digested the quickest in the body?

1. Fruit

2. Fiber

3. Starch

4. Sugars

The correct answer is: Sugars

Sugars are digested the quickest in the body due to their simple chemical structure, which consists of one or two sugar molecules (monosaccharides and disaccharides). These small molecules are readily absorbed by the intestine into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, they can be transported directly to cells and tissues for immediate energy use, making them a rapid source of energy. In contrast, fruits, while containing natural sugars, also have fibers and other components that can slow down the digestion process slightly. Fiber, on the other hand, is indigestible to humans and primarily serves to aid in digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. Starch, although a carbohydrate, consists of longer chains of glucose molecules that need to be broken down into simpler sugars before they can be absorbed, making their digestion slower compared to simple sugars. Therefore, sugars have a significant advantage in terms of how quickly they can be processed by the body for energy.