What does gastric amylase primarily break down?

Gastric amylase is an enzyme that plays a key role in the digestive process, particularly in the breakdown of carbohydrates. It specifically acts on starches, converting them into simpler sugars such as maltose and dextrin within the acidic environment of the stomach. This enzyme is especially important in the initial phase of carbohydrate digestion, as it begins the process of breaking down larger polysaccharides into smaller, digestible units.

Understanding this function highlights the significance of gastric amylase in the overall digestion of food. Although the stomach's primary functions involve protein digestion (largely through pepsin), the presence of gastric amylase allows for some carbohydrate digestion to occur concurrently. This underscores the enzyme's role in the digestive tracts, ensuring that different types of macromolecules can be processed efficiently even before they reach the small intestine, where most digestion and absorption occurs.