Final answer:
Two sample foods with the same mass of carbohydrates can have different glycemic responses because of differences in blood glucose levels, digestion rates, and absorption rates. These variations can be due to the type of carbohydrates, fiber content, and the presence of other nutrients in the food. Thus, the AUC Integrals or Glycemic Indices may differ significantly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question addresses the reasons why two sample foods with the same mass of carbohydrates can have different AUC Integrals or Glycemic Indices. The answer is d. All of the above, meaning that:
- Different blood glucose levels can result from the same energy delivery due to variations in how foods influence insulin response and blood sugar levels.
- Varied digestion rates can affect glucose absorption because the type of carbohydrate and its fiber content can alter how quickly glucose is released into the bloodstream.
- A portion of the glucose response curve might lie outside of the typical 2-hour testing window, which could alter the calculated Glycemic Index if the blood sugar continues to rise or remain elevated past this period.
Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth and continues in the small intestine. Here, complex carbohydrates are broken down into monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose before absorption. Factors like the source of carbohydrates (e.g., simple sugars vs. complex polysaccharides), their fiber content, and the presence of other macronutrients can influence their digestion and absorption rates, thus affecting the glycemic response.