Compounds that speed up the breaking down of food so that nutrients can be absorbed are called

Compounds that speed up the breaking down of food so that the nutrients can be absorbed by the body are called "enzymes." Specifically, in the context of digestion, these are known as digestive enzymes. They are biological catalysts that help in breaking down complex food molecules into smaller, absorbable units.

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions in living organisms. They are highly specific, meaning each enzyme typically acts on only one particular kind of molecule (its substrate). In terms of digestion, there are different enzymes for different types of nutrients:

1. Carbohydrases: These enzymes break down carbohydrates into simple sugars. For example, amylase breaks down starches into maltose and ultimately into glucose.

2. Proteases: These enzymes break down proteins into their building blocks, which are amino acids. Pepsin is an example of a protease in the stomach.

3. Lipases: These enzymes break down fats into glycerol and fatty acids. Lipase produced by the pancreas is an example.

Digestive enzymes are secreted by the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine and are essential for healthy digestion. Without them, our bodies would not be able to extract the necessary nutrients from the foods we eat. When these enzymes work effectively, they ensure the body can absorb nutrients and get rid of waste products efficiently. If someone lacks certain digestive enzymes, they could suffer from digestive disorders and malabsorption issues.