Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Which type of carbohydrate is often difficult for the body to digest?

1. Simple carbohydrates

2. Complex carbohydrates

3. Dietary fiber

4. All carbohydrates

The correct answer is: Dietary fiber

Dietary fiber is known for its unique structure that makes it difficult for the body to digest. Unlike simple and complex carbohydrates, which are broken down into glucose and used for energy, dietary fiber is not fully digestible and passes through the digestive system largely intact. This indigestibility is specifically due to the bonds between the sugar molecules in fiber, which human digestive enzymes cannot break down. Fiber is categorized into soluble and insoluble types, with soluble fiber partially dissolving in water and helping to regulate blood sugar levels and cholesterol, while insoluble fiber aids in digestion by adding bulk to the stool and promoting regular bowel movements. Both types provide significant health benefits, but they do not contribute to energy in the same way that other carbohydrate forms do, further emphasizing the distinction in digestibility. Understanding the role of dietary fiber can help those studying for the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) exam recognize its importance in a well-balanced diet and its unique characteristics compared to other carbohydrate types.