Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

What are simple carbohydrates typically composed of?

1. Many molecules of sugar

2. One or two molecules of sugar

3. Complex chains of sugar

4. Only starches and fibers

The correct answer is: One or two molecules of sugar

Simple carbohydrates are primarily made up of one or two molecules of sugar. This category includes monosaccharides, which consist of single sugar molecules like glucose and fructose, and disaccharides, which are composed of two sugar molecules, such as sucrose (table sugar) and lactose (milk sugar). These simple sugars are quickly absorbed by the body, providing immediate energy. The other choices refer to different structures or categories of carbohydrates. Many molecules of sugar aligns more with complex carbohydrates, which are made up of long chains of sugar molecules. Complex chains of sugar specifically denote polysaccharides, which include starches and fiber; thus, they do not fit into the realm of simple carbohydrates. Furthermore, the assertion that simple carbohydrates consist solely of starches and fibers is inaccurate, as these are primarily associated with complex carbohydrates. This highlights why the composition of simple carbohydrates being one or two sugar molecules is the correct understanding.