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22 years
My saliva doesn't seem to digest starches ( which the amylase enzyme should do ), the iodine test was always negative. What impact does this have ?
Feb 16, 2015

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Luckily amylase is also secreted into the stomach by the pancreas, but it usually digested cooked starch, whereas the salivary amylase targets uncooked (raw) starch; these two enzymes work together to break down carbohydrates. First, salivary amylase begins the digestive process by breaking down starch and converting it into maltose, a smaller carbohydrate. Later in the small intestines, pancreatic amylase completes digestion of carbohydrate, producing glucose, a small molecule that is absorbed into the bloodstream.
In your case, avoiding raw sources if starch is preferable to prevent indigestion and bloating that may result from incomplete break down of starch.
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