Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Which term is used for a simple sugar that provides energy to the body?

1. Fructose

2. Lactose

3. Glucose

4. Sucrose

The correct answer is: Glucose

The term that refers to a simple sugar providing energy to the body is glucose. Glucose is a monosaccharide, meaning it is one of the simplest forms of sugar and is crucial for providing immediate energy to cells. It is the primary energy source for the body’s tissues and organs and plays a vital role in metabolism. Fructose, though also a simple sugar, primarily serves as a sweeter alternative found in fruits and honey, and is metabolized differently in the body. Lactose is a disaccharide formed from glucose and galactose, and it primarily serves as a sugar found in milk and dairy products, so it is not the simplest form of sugar providing energy. Sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, is a disaccharide made of glucose and fructose, and while it does provide energy, it is not as readily available as glucose itself. Therefore, glucose is specifically recognized for its direct role in energizing bodily functions.