Fiber fractions of the CHO which are not digested by the mammalian system serve the important role of providing mass to void from the gastrointestinal tract. In humans there seems to be added protection from atherosclerosis and reduction in colon cancer with higher dietary fiber. Except in the newborn, CHOs must be broken down to monosaccharides to be successfully absorbed. Therefore, carbohydrase enzymes from mammalian and microbial origin are critical in the digestion of CHOs. Amylose is straight chained and amylopectin is branched.
Mammalian enzymes can break down both forms.
Mammals are incapable of digesting beta 1 - 4 bonds as present in cellulose or cellobiose. Acetic, propionic and butyric. Absorption of monosaccharides occurs in the duodenum, Jejunum and some in the ileum of the small intestine. Glucose is coupled to Na. Energy Stored as glycogen Converted and stored as fat.