Question

Which of the following is not metabolised in the human body?

• A. Maltose
• B. Sucrose
• C. Lactose
• D. Inulin

Answer 1

The correct option is D Inulin

Maltose is a disaccharide which is made up of 2 glucose units joined together by a glycosidic bond. It is also known as malt sugar and is found in cereals like barley, from which maltose syrup is obtained. It is also found in germinating seeds.
Sucrose is a disaccharide which is made up of glucose and fructose joined together by a glycosidic bond. It is also known as cane sugar (found in sugarcane), table sugar (commercially used sugar for food purposes), and commercial sugar. It can be broken down into glucose and fructose in the presence of enzyme sucrase.
Lactose is a disaccharide which is made up of galactose and glucose units joined together by a glycosidic bond. It is also known as milk sugar because it is found in milk. It can be broken down into galactose and glucose in the presence of enzyme lactase. In a few people (newborns and adults), lactase enzyme is not found. They cannot digest lactose which leads to a condition called lactose intolerance. Such people should avoid consuming milk or milk products.
Inulin is a polymer of fructose. It is stored in the roots of Dahlia, Dandelion and Artichoke. It is not metabolised in the human body and is passed as such in the urine. It is used to do the kidney function test (KFT).