Answer to Question #182559 in Biochemistry for Kim

Question

What happens to amylose starch that is not fully hydrolyzed in the small intestine? What might be the clinical consequence? 

Answer 1

When food passes to the small intestine remaining unhydrolysed starch molecules are catalysed to maltose .this occurs in first part of small intestine. The duodenum the region where the pancreatic juices empty. This is efficiently absorbed into the body.The remaining undigested starch /carbohydrates are broken down by enzymes released by bacteria in large intestine.The products of this are short chain fatty acids which are used by bacteria to make energy & grow. A part of it may be eliminated in feaces .