Which enzymes break down carbohydrates?

Complex carbohydrates include starch and fiber, which are polysaccharides made up of long chains of glucose units bonded together. Although fiber resists enzyme action and is not broken down during digestion, break down of starch by enzymes starts in the mouth. read more

Several enzymes are involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates, including salivary amylase, pancreatic amylase, maltase, sucrase and lactase. The enzymes are required for the breakdown of complex carbohydrates but not for simple carbohydrates. read more

Breaking Down. Carbohydrate digestion starts in your mouth with the help of a substance called"salivary amylase," an enzyme that breaks down starch into smaller glucose molecules called"dextrins." Dextrins are used sometimes as a thickening agent in food. read more