Which of the following enzymes initiates the digestive process of carbohydrates in the mouth?

• A. Lipase
• B. Lactase
• C. Maltase
• D. Amylase

Answer: (D)

Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth with salivary alpha-amylase, released in saliva. This enzyme cleaves the internal alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds in starch, producing smaller carbohydrates such as maltose and dextrins. Its activity starts the breakdown of dietary starch before stomach acid inactivates it; pancreatic amylase then takes over in the small intestine. Lipase digests fats, while lactase and maltase act later in the small intestine on lactose and maltose, respectively. Thus, amylase is the enzyme that initiates carbohydrate digestion in the mouth.