Final answer:
Carbohydrates are absorbed in the form of monosaccharides. The small intestine absorbs monosaccharides efficiently. Glucose, galactose, and fructose are the three monosaccharides that are commonly absorbed.
Step-by-step explanation:
All carbohydrates are absorbed in the form of monosaccharides. The small intestine is highly efficient at this, absorbing monosaccharides at an estimated rate of 120 grams per hour.
The monosaccharides glucose and galactose are transported into the epithelial cells by common protein carriers via secondary active transport.
The monosaccharide fructose is absorbed and transported by facilitated diffusion alone. The monosaccharides combine with the transport proteins immediately after the disaccharides are broken down.