NURI: CARBOHYDRATES

• Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body
• Carbohydrates include sugars, starches, and dietary fiber found in plant foods and dairy products
• Carbohydrates, along with proteins and fats, are one of the three main nutrients found in foods and drinks
• Importance of Carbohydrates to the Human Body:

  • Provides energy for the body
  • Helps to sleep better
  • Helps to prevent diseases
  • Useful to control weight
  • Helps to keep memory sharp
  • Uplifts mood
  • Provides fiber to the body
  • Prevents blood clots
  • Improves the digestive system
  • Best nutrient for athletes
• Carbohydrate Family:

  • Monosaccharides: Glucose, Fructose, Galactose
  • Disaccharides: Maltose (glucose + glucose), Sucrose (glucose + fructose), Lactose (glucose + galactose)
  • Polysaccharides: Glycogen, Starches (amylose and amylopectin), Fiber (soluble and insoluble)
• Sources of Carbohydrates:

  • Found in a wide array of foods from fruits and vegetables to unhealthy fried foods and sodas
  • Good carbohydrates are complex carbohydrates like wheat, grains, and legumes
  • Unhealthy sources include sugars or simple carbohydrates like processed sugars
  • Healthiest sources: unprocessed or minimally processed whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans
  • Unhealthy sources: white bread, pastries, sodas, highly processed or refined foods
• Relevance of Carbohydrates in Dentistry:

  • Carbohydrates play a role in dental disorders by creating an acidic environment in the mouth
  • Frequent consumption of sweets and sugary drinks can lead to cavities
  • Dental caries can be prevented by avoiding dietary free sugars
• RDA for Carbohydrates:

  • Recommended Dietary Allowance for Carbohydrates satisfies daily requirements based on factors like age, sex, physical work, and physiological stress
• Systemic Disorders Associated with Excessive Carbohydrate Intake:

  • Diabetes: high blood glucose levels
  • Symptoms include increased hunger, increased thirst, weight loss, frequent urination, blurry vision, extreme fatigue, and slow-healing sores
  • Obesity: excess body fat accumulation affecting health
  • Symptoms include excess body fat, shortness of breath, and increased sweating
• Dental Diseases:

  • Dental caries: damage to teeth from decay-causing bacteria, leading to cavities
  • Symptoms include visible holes or pits in teeth, toothache, and staining on tooth surfaces
  • Periodontal diseases: infections and inflammation of gums and supporting structures
  • Symptoms include red, swollen gums, bad breath, bleeding gums, and receding gums
• Disorders Due to Deficiency in Carbohydrates:

  • Hypoglycemia: low blood glucose levels
  • Symptoms include irregular heartbeat, fatigue, pale skin, shakiness, anxiety, sweating, hunger, irritability, and tingling or numbness
• Situational Examples:

  • Dental caries is a major public health issue globally and can be prevented by avoiding dietary free sugars
  • WHO works on policies to reduce dental caries and prevent non-communicable diseases