What is the term for the process of breaking food down into its simplest parts for absorption by the body?

The process of breaking food down into its simplest parts for absorption by the body is known as digestion. This involves both mechanical and chemical processes that transform food into substances that can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. During digestion, food is physically broken down by chewing and then mixed with digestive juices, which contain enzymes that chemically break down macronutrients like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into smaller molecules.

Metabolism refers to the broader biochemical processes that occur within living organisms, including both the breakdown of substances (catabolism) and the building up of substances (anabolism). Assimilation is the phase following digestion where the absorbed nutrients are taken up by the individual cells for use. Fermentation is a specific metabolic process that converts sugars to acids, gases, or alcohol, typically carried out by microorganisms, and is not a primary method for nutrient absorption in the body.