Where does most carbohydrate digestion and absorption occur in the body?

Most carbohydrate digestion and absorption occur in the small intestine due to the presence of specific enzymes that break down carbohydrates into simpler sugars. The process begins in the mouth with salivary amylase initiating the breakdown of starches, but the majority of the work is performed in the small intestine.

In the small intestine, pancreatic amylase continues the digestion of carbohydrates. The resultant disaccharides and oligosaccharides are then further broken down by enzymes located on the brush border of the intestinal lining into monosaccharides, such as glucose, fructose, and galactose, which can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

The structural design of the small intestine, including its large surface area provided by villi and microvilli, is crucial for maximizing nutrient absorption, including carbohydrates. The large intestine plays a minimal role in carbohydrate digestion and mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, while the stomach has a minor role in carbohydrate processing, primarily serving as a site for food storage and initial mixing rather than nutrient absorption. Thus, the small intestine is the primary site for carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the body.