What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the body?

Carbohydrates are primarily known for their role as a source of energy for the body. When consumed, they are broken down into glucose, which serves as a key energy currency for various bodily functions. This energy is essential not only for basic physiological processes such as breathing and circulation but also for physical activities, allowing muscles to perform optimally during exercise or daily tasks.

While other macronutrients have their own specific functions—such as protein, which is critical for muscle building, and fats, which are important for energy storage and cellular integrity—carbohydrates are uniquely efficient at quickly supplying energy. This makes them a fundamental part of a balanced diet, especially for individuals engaged in high levels of physical activity. Additionally, carbohydrates play a role in the health of the brain, as glucose is the preferred energy source for brain cells.

The other options represent different roles that nutrients play. Fats are more relevant for energy storage, proteins are primarily involved in muscle and tissue repair, and while fiber, a type of carbohydrate, does aid digestion, it is not the primary function of all types of carbohydrates in the diet.