Question 5

Outline the process of digestion and absorption of dietary carbohydrate. 

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College Answer

A number of candidates had absolutely no understanding of this subject. Some 
candidates had a basic understanding of either digestion or absorption but few 
demonstrated knowledge of both processes. Inaccuracies were common with many 
discussing the role of the gastric acid & enzymes in carbohydrate digestion. Most 
forgot to mention simple dietary carbohydrates. For a good answer candidates were 
expected to outline the forms of dietary carbohydrates, gastro-intestinal enzyme 
action and mechanism of absorption 
Syllabus: Q1, 2c 
Recommended sources: Review of Medical Physiology, Ganong, Chp 27