What percentage of digestion and absorption occurs in the stomach?

The stomach plays a crucial role in the digestive process, but its primary function is not digestion and absorption in the way that other organs, such as the small intestine, are involved. Although some digestion of proteins begins in the stomach due to the action of gastric acid and pepsin, the overall percentage of digestion and absorption that occurs there is relatively low when considering the entire digestive process.

Research indicates that approximately 10% of digestion and absorption takes place in the stomach. This includes the breakdown of food particles and the initial digestion of proteins, but most nutrient absorption occurs later in the digestive tract, specifically in the small intestine. Factors such as the release of gastric juices contribute to this process, but once chyme (the semi-liquid food) moves into the small intestine, the majority of nutrient absorption takes place through the walls of the intestine with the aid of digestive enzymes and bile.

Thus, the figure quoted reflects the stomach's limited role in the overall digestion and absorption process, making 10% the most accurate choice in relation to how much occurs in this organ.