Salivary Amylase

Salivary amylase is an enzyme in your saliva that begins the process of digesting carbohydrates, primarily starches, right in your mouth. When you chew, salivary amylase breaks down complex carbs into smaller molecules like maltose, making them easier to digest further down the digestive tract. This enzyme works optimally at the slightly acidic to neutral pH of the mouth. Its activity continues briefly in the stomach but is quickly inactivated by the acidic environment. Overall, salivary amylase primes your digestive system by initiating carbohydrate breakdown early in the process.