gen-state-the-digestion-of-carbohydrates-precisely-and-explain-w-35e7

State the digestion of carbohydrates precisely and explain why it matters in 2-3 sentences.

# Carbohydrate Digestion **Process:** Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth with salivary amylase breaking down starches into shorter polysaccharides, pauses in the acidic stomach, then resumes in the small intestine where pancreatic amylase converts polysaccharides to disaccharides, and finally brush border enzymes (maltase, sucrase, lactase) break disaccharides into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, galactose) for absorption. **Why it matters:** This stepwise breakdown is essential because only monosaccharides are small enough to be absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream to fuel cellular energy production. Deficiencies in specific digestive enzymes (like lactase deficiency) prevent proper carbohydrate breakdown, leading to malabsorption, digestive discomfort, and inadequate glucose availability for the body's energy needs.