HUMAN NUTRITION

Detailed explanation-1: -Pancreatic juice is alkaline in nature due to its high concentration of bicarbonate ions that neutralize the gastric acid and allow effective enzymic action. Pancreatic juice secretion is regulated by the hormones secretin and cholecystokinin.

Detailed explanation-2: -Sodium bicarbonate is responsible for the slight alkalinity of pancreatic juice (pH 7.1 to 8.2), which serves to buffer the acidic gastric juice in chyme, inactivate pepsin from the stomach, and create an optimal environment for the activity of pH-sensitive digestive enzymes in the small intestine.

Detailed explanation-3: -The bicarbonate assists in neutralising the low pH of the chyme coming from the stomach, while the enzymes assist in the breakdown of the proteins, lipids and carbohydrates for further processing and absorption in the intestines.

Detailed explanation-4: -Secretin stimulates the secretion of bicarbonate-rich pancreatic fluid. [11] Secretin enters the intestinal lumen and stimulates bicarbonate secretion, ultimately neutralizing gastric H+, which plays an essential role in fat digestion by creating a more neutral (pH 6 to 8) environment.