Polysaccharides and fibers are examples of which type of carbohydrate?

Polysaccharides and fibers are classified as complex carbohydrates due to their larger, more intricate structures compared to simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates consist of long chains of sugar units that are bonded together, which distinguishes them from simpler forms of carbohydrates like monosaccharides and disaccharides that consist of one or two sugar units, respectively.

Polysaccharides include starch, glycogen, and cellulose, which are important for energy storage and structural functions in plants and animals. Dietary fibers, a type of polysaccharide, are crucial for digestive health, providing benefits such as improved bowel regularity and a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. The complexity and structure of these carbohydrates enable them to be digested and processed differently by the body, often resulting in a slower and more sustained release of energy compared to simple carbohydrates.