The carbohydrase that breaks down starch is amylase :. Proteases break down proteins:. Lipases break down lipids:. Carbohydrases break down carbohydrates in several regions of the digestive system. Most of the carbohydrate we eat is starch, so this will be the main substrate in the early part of digestion for enzyme action. Proteases break down proteins in several regions of the digestive system.
Lipases break down lipids in one region of the digestive system. Region of digestive system Enzyme Where produced Substrate Broken down into Stomach Protease - pepsin Gastric glands in stomach Proteins Begins the breakdown into amino acids Small intestine - Duodenum Protease - trypsin Pancreas Proteins Continues the breakdown into amino acids Small intestine - Ileum Protease - peptidase Wall of ileum Peptides Completes the breakdown into amino acids Lipases Lipases break down lipids in one region of the digestive system.
Carbohydrates include glycogen , starch, sucrose and glucose. The basic building block of a carbohydrate is a monosaccharide. This is simple sugar, such as glucose and fructose. Enzymes join monosaccharides together to form disaccharides two monosaccharides and polysaccharides long chains of monosaccharides.
Carbohydrase enzymes break disaccharides and polysaccharides into monosaccharides simple sugars. Carbohydrase enzymes are produced in your mouth in saliva , pancreas and small intestine. Proteins are large molecules made from amino acids joined together to form chains.
They include enzymes , haemoglobin , collagen and keratin. Proteases are enzymes that break down proteins into amino acids, and are also referred to as proteolytic enzymes. For example, gluten is a protein that many individuals have trouble tolerating. Enzymes that break down the peptide bonds of the gluten molecule minimize the digestive discomfort that can result from gluten consumption. Similarly, the whey protein found in dairy products and many sports supplement is a large protein that must be broken down in order to be absorbed and used by the body.
Protease enzymes break down these large protein molecules so that the beneficial amino acids can be absorbed, and the smaller peptides will not cause digestive discomfort. There are several other proteases that target specific types of proteins to digest. A more comprehensive list can be found on this list of protease enzyme functions. Lipases are enzymes that digest fats lipids into fatty acids and glycerol. Lipases break down triglycerides and improve fat utilization, supporting gall bladder function.
Other types of hydrolytic enzymes provide health benefits; catalase is a potent antioxidant, and phytase helps with the absorption of minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium. For more detailed information, see this comprehensive list of enzymes and their functions.
In addition to digestion, there are enzymes that provide benefits to other body systems. These systemic enzymes break down proteins to improve body functions such as blood flow and inflammatory response. The most important thing that systemic proteolytic enzymes do is to break down excess fibrin in your circulatory system and in other connective tissue, such as your muscles.
These enzymes bring nutrients and oxygen-rich blood that remove the metabolic waste produced by inflammation and excess fibrin. Nattokinase and serratiopeptidase are two such enzymes that are commonly used to support joint and heart health.
The plant-based enzymes bromelain and papain are also widely used for systemic applications. Although the body produces its own digestive enzymes, it may not be enough. Anyone with lactose intolerance is likely not producing enough of the lactase enzyme to adequately digest dairy products.
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