Which type of carbohydrates includes monosaccharides and disaccharides?

Simple carbohydrates are the category of carbohydrates that include monosaccharides and disaccharides. Monosaccharides, like glucose and fructose, are the most basic form of carbohydrates and consist of single sugar molecules. Disaccharides, such as sucrose and lactose, are made up of two monosaccharide units bonded together. This classification highlights the structural simplicity of these carbohydrates compared to more complex forms.

Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, consist of longer chains of sugar molecules, while polysaccharides are a type of complex carbohydrate made up of many monosaccharide units linked together. Fiber is also a form of complex carbohydrate but is specifically defined by its non-digestibility and various health benefits.

Thus, simple carbohydrates directly encompass the fundamental forms of sugars, distinguishing them from these other categories.