Which carbohydrate type takes longer to digest due to its complex structure?

Study for the ManageFirst Nutrition Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively and boost your confidence for exam day!

Polysaccharides take longer to digest due to their complex structure, which consists of long chains of monosaccharide units linked together. This complexity requires more time and more advanced enzymatic processes for the body to break them down into simple sugars, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.

In contrast, monosaccharides are single sugar units that are quickly absorbed as they require little to no digestion. Disaccharides, which consist of two monosaccharide units, also digest relatively quickly once they are broken down into their individual sugar components. The term "saccharide" generally refers to sugars in a broader sense but does not specifically indicate a type or complexity level, which makes it less relevant in distinguishing digestion times.

Thus, for carbohydrates, the structural complexity directly influences the time required for digestion, making polysaccharides the correct answer in this context.

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