Carbohydrates are one of the three major macronutrients, alongside proteins and fats, that are essential for human life. They serve as the body's primary source of energy. You can find them in a wide variety of foods, including grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. These polysaccharides contain many chemical bonds and store chemical energy, which is released when the molecules are broken down during metabolism.

Function in the Body

• Energy Production: Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which cells then use to produce energy through cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a metabolic pathway that uses glucose to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), an organic compound that the body can use for energy. One molecule of glucose can produce a net of 30-32 ATP. The breakdown of glucose during metabolism can be described by the equation: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy.
• Energy Storage: Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles for later use. When energy demands increase, carbohydrates are broken down into constituent monosaccharides, which are then distributed to the living cells of an organism.
• Brain Function: The brain primarily uses glucose as its energy source.
• Fiber: Some carbohydrates, like cellulose, are indigestible and serve as dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• ATP Synthesis: Cellular respiration, a process that synthesizes ATP, utilizes carbohydrates. The net effect of cellular respiration is the complete oxidation of carbohydrates to form carbon dioxide and water.

Carbohydrate Assay Kits

Carbohydrate assay kits are designed for measuring carbohydrates in diverse samples, such as food, beverages, biological samples, solutions, cell culture supernatants, and cells. These kits offer a straightforward, sensitive, and consistent method for detecting a wide range of carbohydrates.