Comparison table of the minute-by-minute digestion and absorption process for carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

joele (55)in #minute • 22 days ago (edited)

Here’s a comparison table of the minute-by-minute digestion and absorption process for carbohydrates, proteins, and fats:

Time	Carbohydrates	Proteins	Fats
0-5 Minutes	Chewing and saliva begin breaking down starches with amylase.	Chewing and saliva start breaking down proteins. Minimal digestion occurs in the mouth.	Chewing breaks fat into smaller pieces; minimal fat digestion in mouth with some salivary lipase.
10-20 Minutes	Stomach acid pauses carb digestion temporarily.	Stomach acid and pepsin begin breaking proteins into smaller peptides.	Stomach churns fat, gastric lipase begins minor breakdown.
20-30 Minutes	Carbs enter the small intestine, where pancreatic amylase resumes digestion, breaking down starches into sugars.	Proteins enter the small intestine; pancreatic enzymes break peptides into amino acids.	Fats enter the small intestine; bile emulsifies fat, and pancreatic lipase breaks it down into fatty acids and monoglycerides.
30-45 Minutes	Enzymes on the intestine wall break down sugars into glucose, fructose, and galactose.	Amino acids and small peptides are absorbed through the intestinal lining into the bloodstream.	Fatty acids and monoglycerides are absorbed in the intestine and form micelles for easier absorption.
45-60 Minutes	Glucose and other sugars enter the bloodstream, stimulating insulin release.	Amino acids circulate in the bloodstream and are transported to the liver for processing.	Fats are reassembled as triglycerides and packed into chylomicrons, entering the lymphatic system.
1-2 Hours	Cells use glucose for energy, and excess is stored as glycogen in liver and muscles.	Amino acids are distributed to cells for tissue repair, muscle synthesis, and enzyme production.	Chylomicrons transport triglycerides through the bloodstream to muscles, fat tissue, or the liver for storage or energy use.
2-4 Hours	Liver releases glycogen as glucose if blood sugar drops; fats or proteins may be used if carbs are depleted.	Ongoing amino acid use for protein synthesis and repair throughout the body.	Liver and cells continue to use or store fats for long-term energy; fats provide sustained energy release.
Long-Term	Carbs stored as glycogen in muscles and liver for quick energy; excess converted to fat for long-term storage.	Protein not stored, used for growth, repair, enzymes, and hormones as needed.	Fats stored in adipose tissue for long-term energy and used for hormone production and cell membrane integrity.