Digestion, Absorption and Metabolism

Presented by Janice Hermann, PhD, RD/LD OCES Adult and Older Adult Nutrition Specialist

What Is Digestion
Process whereby the body breaks down food

into absorbable nutrients. Digestive tract is a long tube surrounded by muscles. The muscles alternate contracting and relaxing pushing food along.

Mouth
Teeth grind food to reduce the size.

Saliva released to help moisten food.

Some carbohydrate digestion begins. Tongue pushes food to the back of the mouth

to start swallowing reflex. Food passes through the esophagus and enters stomach.

Stomach
Distended pouch. Strong circular muscles at

each end control food entering and leaving. Mixes food by muscular contractions causing food to break up further. Secretes hydrochloric acid:
Begins protein digestion. Kills microorganisms in food.

Nutrients not absorbed except water and

alcohol.

Small Intestine
Most digestion and absorption occurs in small

intestine. Bile released to emulsify (break up) fat. Pancreatic enzymes released to digest carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Final digestive enzymes in intestinal lining break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats into absorbable units.

Final Digestion Products

Final digestion products absorbed by cells

lining small intestine.

Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides Proteins: Amino acids Chains of 2 or 3 amino acids Fats: Fatty acids Glycerol Monoglycerides Vitamins, minerals, water and some larger fat-like

compounds such as cholesterol are not broken down before they are absorbed.

Absorption
Water-soluble nutrients and short fatty acids

released directly into the bloodstream. Longer fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and fat-like compounds such as cholesterol are not water-soluble.
Triglycerides reform in intestinal wall. Packaged into a chylomicron and released into

lymphatic system.

Indigestible Matter
After digestion and absorption of nutrients,

indigestible matter, such as fiber moves into the large intestine. Indigestible matter is compacted by removing water. Little nutrient absorption occurs in large intestine.

Metabolism
Chemical reactions that occur in the body: Building and maintaining body tissues Regulating body functions Supplying energy For metabolism to occur the body needs: Water Energy Oxygen Nutrients