Protein digestion

Protein digestion is the process of breaking down the proteins we eat into smaller building blocks called amino acids, which the body can use. It begins in the stomach, where acids and enzymes like pepsin start breaking down protein structures. The partially digested proteins then move into the small intestine, where other enzymes from the pancreas, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, further break them into individual amino acids. These amino acids are absorbed through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream, where they are transported to cells for growth, repair, and various functions.