Dietetic Technician Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Preparation

The main function of digestive enzymes is to break down food into smaller molecules for absorption. Digestive enzymes are specialized proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions necessary for the digestion process. They facilitate the breakdown of complex food substances such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into simpler molecules like sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids, which can then be easily absorbed by the body through the intestinal walls. This process is essential for proper nutrition, as only these smaller molecules can be transported into the bloodstream and utilized by cells for energy, growth, and repair.

Other options do hold significance in nutrition and body function, but they do not represent the primary role of digestive enzymes. For instance, while providing energy to the body is crucial, it is the products of digestion that offer this energy. Similarly, increasing water retention and storing nutrients in the liver are key functions in maintaining homeostasis and nutrient balance, but they are not directly related to the action performed by digestive enzymes in the digestive system. Thus, the critical role of digestive enzymes is centered around their function in breaking down food for absorption.