Where are proteins absorbed?

The majority of protein absorption takes place in the small intestine. After proteins are partially digested in the stomach and broken down into smaller peptides, they enter the small intestine, which is the primary site for their absorption. The inner lining of the small intestine contains numerous finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for absorption. Specialized cells called enterocytes, located on the surface of the villi, are responsible for absorbing and transporting proteins across the intestinal barrier into the bloodstream. These enterocytes have specific transport proteins and enzymes that facilitate the uptake and processing of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.