What term refers to the chemicals in the digestive system that change food into a soluble form for use by the body?

The correct term that refers to the chemicals in the digestive system which change food into a soluble form for use by the body is digestive enzymes. These enzymes are crucial for breaking down complex food substances into simpler forms that can be absorbed and utilized by the body's cells. They facilitate the biochemical reactions necessary for digestion, acting specifically on proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Digestive enzymes are produced by various organs, including the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. Each enzyme has a specific role; for example, amylase breaks down starch into sugars, proteases break down proteins into amino acids, and lipases break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. This process ensures that nutrients are made bioavailable to the body, allowing for proper functioning and energy production.

In contrast, metabolites refer to the intermediate products of metabolism, while acids in the digestive system mainly refer to gastric acid that aids in digestion but does not directly convert food into soluble forms. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and are important for various physiological functions, but they do not play a direct role in the digestion and breakdown of food like enzymes do.