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Carbohydrate
Established research area
The body's main everyday source of dietary energy, found in grains, starchy vegetables, legumes, and fruit. Carbohydrate covers starches, sugars, and dietary fiber.
Commonly noted
- Commonly noted
- Carbohydrate is a macronutrient the body uses as its main everyday source of energy; it is found in grains, starchy vegetables, legumes, fruit, and dairy, and covers starches, sugars, and fiber.
- Low intake
- Very low carbohydrate intake is commonly discussed in relation to short-term tiredness, headaches, and lower exercise output while the body adjusts.
- Higher intake
- Large amounts of carbohydrate from refined sources are commonly discussed in relation to swings in blood sugar and dental wear.
Source: MedlinePlus
Reference intakes
General reference figures for a typical adult, not a personal target.
- rdaadult130 gDRI/NASEM
Foods and products containing it
Energy gel (carb gel)Supplement
Sweet potatoFood
White breadFood
Maple syrupFoodMass gainerSupplement
ChestnutsFoodRye breadFoodMeal replacement shakeSupplementSourdough breadFood
PotatoFood
BagelFood
Brown riceFood
PastaFood
Rice noodlesFood
BreadfruitFoodBasmati riceFoodWhite riceFoodHoneyFoodWhole-wheat breadFood
Sports drinkDrink
OatsFoodAgave syrupFood
CornFood
Sweet potatoFoodWhite breadFoodMaple syrupFoodMass gainerSupplementChestnutsFoodRye breadFoodMeal replacement shakeSupplementSourdough breadFoodPotatoFoodBagelFoodBrown riceFoodPastaFoodRice noodlesFoodBreadfruitFoodBasmati riceFoodWhite riceFoodHoneyFoodWhole-wheat breadFoodSports drinkDrinkOatsFoodAgave syrupFoodCornFood