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Know the Types of Digestive Enzymes and Their Functions Here

All food that you consume, will be digested by various digestive enzymes. These digestive enzymes have an important role in the process of food processing and absorption of nutrients in your body. Digestive enzymes are produced naturally by the digestive system in the body. They are tasked with breaking down food components such as fat, carbohydrates, and protein. The goal is that nutrients derived from food can be absorbed into the bloodstream to support the function of body cells.

Various kinds of digestive enzymes and their functions

The body produces a variety of digestive enzymes to break down the nutrients in the food you consume so that it can be absorbed. Different types of nutrients, digestive enzymes are also different. Here are some kinds of digestive enzymes in the body:

  • Amylase

    • Amylase enzymes are produced in the salivary glands, pancreas, and small intestine. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down starch or carbohydrates into sugar (glucose). When carbohydrate-containing foods are chewed, the salivary glands in the mouth will produce amylase. After swallowing, the food will be digested further in the small intestine by the amylase enzyme produced by the pancreas. In the intestine, amylase continues to break down starch molecules into glucose, which will then be absorbed into the blood circulation through the intestinal wall.

  • Protease

    • Protease enzymes are digestive enzymes whose task is to break down proteins in food into amino acids. This enzyme is produced in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. There are several types of protase enzymes, namely pepsin (the main digestive enzyme in the stomach), trypsin, and kimotripsin.

  • Lipase

    • Lipase is an enzyme that has the task of breaking down fats into fatty acids and glycerol (sugars that contain alcohol). The organs that play a role in producing this enzyme are the pancreas and stomach. The lipase enzyme is also found in breast milk, its function is to help the baby digest fat molecules while breastfeeding.

  • Maltase

    • This enzyme is produced by the small intestine and has the function to destroy maltose. Maltose sugar is commonly found in plants, such as grains, wheat and sweet potatoes.

  • Lactase

    • Lactase is a type of digestive enzyme that breaks down lactose sugar. This sugar is found in milk and food or drinks made from milk. People with lactose intolerance are often advised to take additional lactase enzymes when consuming milk.

  • Sukrase

    • Sucrase is an enzyme produced by the small intestine. The function of this enzyme is to break down sucrose into simple sugars, such as fructose and glucose. Sucrose sugar is found in plants, such as sugar cane, sorghum, and sugar beets. Sucrose is also found in honey, but in small amounts.
The role of digestive enzymes is very important for the digestive process in your body. However, the work of digestive enzymes can be disrupted if you have a fever, take certain medications, or go on a special diet. In addition, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), Gaucher's disease, and phenylketonuria can also disrupt the function of digestive enzymes. If you have the disease, you may need a digestive enzyme supplement. In addition to helping the digestive process, this supplement can also help alleviate complaints related to digestive enzyme disorders that you experience. However, make sure you consult a doctor before taking it.

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