HOSA Nutrition Test Mock: Exam *Q&A*
(100% Correct) 2025/2026 |VERIFIED|
Macronutrients are essential for the body’s proper functioning and are categorized into four primary
groups: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and water. These nutrients are crucial for energy, growth,
tissue repair, and overall health, providing a foundation for various bodily processes.
The primary role of carbohydrates is to serve as an energy source, supplying the body with fuel for daily
activities and metabolic processes. They provide 4 kilocalories per gram and should make up 50-
60% of your total daily caloric intake. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is used by the
body’s cells, tissues, and organs for energy production.
Lipids are essential for the storage of energy, as well as for cushioning and insulating vital organs. They
provide a higher energy density than carbohydrates, offering 9 kilocalories per gram. Ideally, lipids
should constitute less than 30% of your daily caloric intake. This group includes fats, oils, and cholesterol,
which are necessary for various bodily functions, including the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Proteins are vital for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. They
provide 4 kilocalories per gram and make up 15-25% of your daily caloric intake. Proteins are
broken down into amino acids, which serve as the building blocks for body tissue and support processes
like enzyme production, immune function, and cellular repair.
Carbohydrates are divided into three main categories: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and
polysaccharides. Each type of carbohydrate has different chemical structures and functions, contributing
to various roles in the body, from quick energy to long-term storage.
Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules. The most
common monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose. These sugars are absorbed
directly into the bloodstream and provide immediate energy to the body’s cells.
Disaccharides are carbohydrates composed of two monosaccharide molecules linked together. Common
examples of disaccharides include sucrose, maltose, lactose, and lactulose. These sugars must be
broken down into monosaccharides by the body before they can be used as energy.
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, Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates made up of long chains of monosaccharide units. Examples
include starch, glycogen, and dietary fibers (both soluble and insoluble). These carbohydrates are
used for long-term energy storage or play structural roles, particularly in plant cells.
Fiber, an important component of many polysaccharides, is subdivided into soluble and insoluble
types. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and can help lower blood cholesterol levels, while insoluble fiber
does not dissolve and is important for maintaining digestive health and regular bowel movements.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for fiber intake is 25-35 grams per day, depending on
age and gender. Sufficient fiber consumption helps regulate digestion and plays a critical role in
preventing conditions such as constipation and heart disease.
Disorders related to carbohydrate metabolism can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications.
Some of the most common conditions include galactosemia, primary lactase deficiency, lactose
intolerance, and sucrase deficiency. These disorders affect the body’s ability to properly digest and
absorb carbohydrates, leading to discomfort and health issues.
Galactosemia is a rare inherited condition in which the body cannot process galactose, a sugar found in
dairy products. This results in the accumulation of galactose in the blood, causing severe symptoms like
failure to thrive in infants and developmental delays.
Primary lactase deficiency occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break
down lactose, the sugar found in milk. This condition can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as
bloating, cramps, and diarrhea, particularly after consuming dairy products.
Lactose intolerance, while similar to primary lactase deficiency, typically develops later in life and can
vary in severity. It may be triggered by factors such as genetics, increased use of antibiotics, or
other health issues, leading to digestive discomfort upon the ingestion of lactose-containing foods.
Sucrase deficiency occurs when the body is unable to digest sucrose, a sugar commonly found in fruits
and table sugar. This condition shares symptoms with lactose intolerance, including
gastrointestinal discomfort like gas and diarrhea, and typically manifests during early childhood.
Carbohydrates play several vital functions in the body, such as providing a primary source of
energy, balancing protein and fat metabolism, supporting the digestive system with fiber, regulating
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