What are the differences between lipids and carbohydrates?

Basis of differentiation 

Lipids 

Carbohydrates 

Definition 

Are water-insoluble biomolecules composed of glycerol and fatty acids

Are water-soluble biomolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen

Composition 

Major elements - C, H, O Minor elements - N, S 

C, H, and O

Solubility

Are hydrophobic and not soluble in water 

Are hydrophilic and soluble in water, except polysaccharides

Forms 

• Fats
• Phospholipids
• Fat-soluble vitamins 
• Waxes
• Sterols

• Monosaccharides 
• Disaccharides
• Oligosaccharides
• Polysaccharides 

Energy generated per gram

Generates 9 kcal of energy per gram – more than double that of carbohydrates

Generates 4 kcal of energy per gram 

Types of energy provided

Store energy for later use

Immediate energy source

Major Digestive Enzyme

Lipase

α-amylase

Function

• Cellular energy storage 
• Provide structural stability for cells
• Insulation & cushioning for vital internal organs 
• Facilitate signaling processes 
• Reproductive hormone synthesis
• Facilitating absorption & distribution of fat-soluble vitamins

• Energy supply for body organs & tissues
• Creation of structural components 
• Synthesis of coenzymes
• Play a role in the immune system
• Prevent blood clotting
• Backbone of RNA

Food sources 

• Nuts, Seeds 
• Legumes 
• Fish & Seafood
• Fruit such as Avocado

• Starchy Plant-Based Foods (polysaccharides) 
• Fruits (fructose)
• Milk (lactose)