CHILDHOOD CARBOHYDRATES REQUIREMENT

CHILDHOOD CARBOHYDRATES REQUIREMENT

Maximum bulk (55-60 %) of calories (energy) needs to be obtained from carbohydrates. In fact, the balance of the calories needed, after meeting the needs of protein and fats, is provided by this constituent.

Carbohydrates are of two types:

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1. Simple which may be monosaccharides  (glucose, fructose, galactose, ribose, dexoxyribose) and disaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose)
2. Complex (polysaccharides): starch, glycogen, fiber. With the exception of fiber, all carbohydrates are converted to glucose which is either employed as a fuel by the brain and muscles or stored in liver and muscles as glycogen. Carbohydrates consumed in excess are converted to fat.

Fiber (Polysaccharides like cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, gums, mucilages; nonpolysaccharides like lignins),  a constituent of plant cell, mainly remains unabsorbed, forming bulk of the diet. Its food value is negligible. It is important for normal functioning of the GIT, preventing and even curing chronic constipation. Important fiber-containing foods include cereals, fruits, vegetables and dried beans. Very high fiber intake may interfere with bioavailability of minerals (e.g. calcium-deficiency rickets).