What is the process of taking in nutrients called?

The process of taking in nutrients is best described as absorption. This involves the movement of nutrients from the digestive tract into the bloodstream or lymphatic system after they have been broken down from food intake. Absorption mainly occurs in the small intestine, where nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are transferred into the body for use by its cells.

Ingesting food happens prior to this process, as it refers to the act of taking food into the body, but it does not specifically refer to the uptake of nutrients. Digestion refers to the breakdown of food into smaller components, which is necessary before absorption can occur, but it is not the actual taking in of nutrients itself. Assimilation involves the incorporation of these absorbed nutrients into body tissues, differentiating it from the initial uptake process. Thus, absorption is the most precise term for the process of taking in nutrients.