The three main categories of nutrients that undergo digestion within the small intestine are proteins, lipids (fats) and carbohydrates. The small intestine is divided into duodenum, ileum and jejunum.
The intestinal enzymes such as invertase, maltase and lipase act upon partially digested proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
Proteins and peptides → amino acids
Lipids (fats) → fatty acids and glycerol
Some carbohydrates → simple sugars, or monosaccharides (e.g., glucose).
• Proteins, carbohydrates and fats are simplified into amino acids, glucose, fatty acids and glycerol in a liquid medium known as chyle.
• Specific structures called as villi in the small intestine increase its surface area to ensure efficient and rapid absorption of nutrients. Blood capillaries in the villi absorb nutrients and transport the food to all the cells in the body.
• Other carbohydrates pass undigested into the large intestine where they may, depending on their type, be broken-down by intestinal bacteria.
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