Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are digested in the intestine and broken down into their basic units: Carbohydrates into sugars. Proteins into amino acids. Fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
Carbohydrates, or carbs, are sugar molecules. Along with proteins and fats, carbohydrates are one of the three primary nutrients in foods and drinks. Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. Glucose, or blood sugar, is the primary energy source for your body's cells, tissues, and organs.