What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the body?

The primary function of carbohydrates in the body is to provide energy supply. Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and they are one of the body's main sources of energy. When consumed, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is used by cells to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells. This process is vital for various bodily functions, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and maintaining metabolic processes.

While carbohydrates serve additional roles, such as being involved in certain structural components (like cellulose in plants), their chief purpose in human nutrition is to serve as an energy source. Other biological macromolecules, like proteins and lipids, play the primary roles in structural support, information storage (DNA and RNA), and catalyzing biochemical reactions (enzymes). Thus, the emphasis on energy supply underscores the carbohydrate's critical role in sustaining bodily functions and supporting daily activities.