A+P - Digestive Enzymes

Amylase (Salivary & Pancreatic)

Breaks down starches (carbohydrates) into simple sugars (glucose).

Lipase (Pancreatic)

Breaks down dietary fats into glycerol and fatty acids.

Protease

Breaks down proteins into amino acids.

Pepsin

Secreted in the stomach to break down proteins into peptides.

Trypsin

Activates in the small intestine to break down proteins.

Chymotrypsin

Breaks down peptides into free amino acids.

Lactase

Breaks down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products.

Sucrase

Breaks down sucrose (table sugar) into glucose and fructose.

Maltase

Breaks down maltose (malt sugar) into glucose.

Carboxypeptidase A/B

Splits peptides into individual amino acids.

Cellulase

Assists in the digestion of cellulose (fiber).

Alpha-Galactosidase

Breaks down complex carbohydrates in legumes and cruciferous vegetables. 

Alcohol Dehydrogenase

Breaks down ethanol into Acetaldehyde, which is poisonous.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase

Converts acetaldehyde into harmless Acetate.