Food is vital for life. It provides nutrients for growth, maintenance,
and reproduction, and is the source of energy that drives the chemica
l reactions occurring in every cell.(1,2) However, most food, as it is
initially procured, is not in a form suitable for use; it must first
be broken down so that it can be transported through cell membranes.(1
) The breaking down of food molecules via a system of both mechanical
and chemical processes so that they are of use to the body is called d
igestion.(2,3)