Difference between ingestion and digestion

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 3, 2024

Let me share with you a difference between ingestion and digestion.

AspectIngestionDigestion
IntroductionThe process of taking food or other substances into the body, typically through the mouthThe process of breaking down complex food into simpler forms that can be absorbed and used by the body
OccurrencePrimarily occurs in the mouthPrimarily occurs in the stomach and small intestine
MechanismInvolves the mechanical and initial chemical breakdown of food through biting, chewing, and swallowingInvolves enzymatic and chemical processes that break down large molecules into smaller ones
Enzymes involvementLimited involvement of digestive enzymesVarious digestive enzymes, such as amylases, proteases and lipases
DurationA relatively quick processA more prolonged process
Examples

 

·        Biting and chewing food

·        Swallowing of food

 

·        Enzymatic breakdown of starch into glucose

·        Proteins into amino acids

·        Fats into fatty acids and glycerol