Fructose exists in foods as either a monosaccharide (free fructose) or a unit of the sucrose disaccharide molecule because the small intestine directly absorbs free fructose.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fructose can indeed exist in foods both as a monosaccharide (free fructose) and as part of the sucrose molecule, a disaccharide. The small intestine absorbs free fructose directly, which is why it can exist in these two forms in our diet.

Fructose Exists in Foods as Either a Monosaccharide (Free Fructose)