What initiates carbohydrate digestion in the mouth?

Carbohydrate digestion in the mouth is primarily initiated by salivary amylase, an enzyme secreted by the salivary glands. This enzyme acts on starches, breaking them down into simpler sugars like maltose and dextrin. The action of amylase begins as soon as food is introduced into the mouth, highlighting its role in the initial stages of carbohydrate digestion before the food moves to the stomach.

Pepsin, on the other hand, is an enzyme that primarily digests proteins and is activated in the acidic environment of the stomach, so it does not play a role in carbohydrate digestion in the mouth. Lactase and sucrase are specific enzymes that function in the small intestine rather than the mouth; lactase breaks down lactose, while sucrase acts on sucrose. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the importance of amylase in initiating carbohydrate digestion right from the oral phase of the digestive process.