Describe the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates?

Question: Describe the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates?

The digestion and absorption of carbohydrates begin in the mouth and continue in the small intestine. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process:-

1. Mouth: Digestion of carbohydrates starts in the mouth through the action of salivary amylase. Salivary amylase breaks down complex carbohydrates (starches) into simpler sugars like maltose.

2. Stomach: Once in the stomach, the acidic environment halts the action of salivary amylase. However, only minimal carbohydrate digestion occurs in the stomach.

3. Small Intestine: The majority of carbohydrate digestion and absorption take place in the small intestine. The partially digested carbohydrates, along with other nutrients, move from the stomach to the small intestine.

4. Pancreatic Enzymes: In the small intestine, pancreatic amylase is released from the pancreas. It continues the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars like maltose, sucrose, and lactose.

5. Brush Border Enzymes: The brush border enzymes, including maltase, sucrase, and lactase, located on the surface of the intestinal lining, further break down the disaccharides (maltose, sucrose, lactose) into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, galactose).

6. Absorption: Monosaccharides are absorbed across the intestinal lining into the bloodstream. Glucose and galactose are absorbed through active transport, while fructose is absorbed through facilitated diffusion.

7. Transport to Liver: Once in the bloodstream, the monosaccharides are transported to the liver via the hepatic portal vein. In the liver, they may be converted to other forms or released back into circulation to be used as energy by cells.

Overall, the digestion of carbohydrates involves breaking down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars through the action of various enzymes. These simpler sugars, primarily glucose, fructose, and galactose, are then absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the liver for further processing or distribution to other body cells for energy.

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