Describe the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Digestion of carbohydrates begins in the mouth, where the enzyme amylase breaks down starches into smaller sugar molecules. Once in the stomach, the acidic environment temporarily halts carbohydrate digestion. However, once the food reaches the small intestine, the pancreas releases enzymes such as amylase, maltase, and sucrase to further break down carbohydrates into glucose, fructose, and galactose.

The small intestine is also where the majority of carbohydrate absorption takes place. The cells lining the small intestine absorb the broken-down sugars and transport them into the bloodstream. From there, the sugars are carried to the liver, where they are either used for energy or stored for later use. Any remaining undigested carbohydrates pass into the large intestine, where they are fermented by bacteria and eventually excreted from the body.

Describe the Digestion and Absorption of Carbohydrates