What are sugars classified as within nutrition?

Sugars are classified as carbohydrates within nutrition because they are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1. Carbohydrates serve as one of the primary sources of energy for the body, and sugars, specifically, are simple carbohydrates that can be quickly absorbed and utilized for energy.

There are two main categories of carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates (sugars) and complex carbohydrates (starches and fiber). Sugars include monosaccharides like glucose and fructose, and disaccharides such as sucrose and lactose. Given their structure and function, sugars fit squarely within the carbohydrate category, distinguishing them from proteins, fats, and vitamins, which play different roles in nutrition.