What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the diet?

The primary function of carbohydrates in the diet is to serve as the body's main source of energy. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is a simple sugar that the body uses as a fuel source for various functions, including physical activity and metabolic processes. This energy is vital for maintaining daily bodily functions, supporting brain activity, and powering muscles during exercise.

While carbohydrates also play a role in other bodily functions, such as digestion indirectly through fiber (found in some carbohydrates), their main and most critical role is energy provision. Essential vitamins and minerals are primarily obtained from other food sources, making the role of carbohydrates distinctly focused on energy rather than nutritional support in those other areas.