Why does ingesting a large amount of indigestible fiber, such as cellulose, lead to reduced absorption of certain medications in the small intestine?

💡 Explanation

Indigestible fiber interferes with drug absorption because it increases the bulk content, and the adsorption mechanism causes the medication molecules to bind to the fiber matrix, limiting their availability for absorption by the intestinal mucosa; therefore, reduced absorption occurs, rather than direct degradation, enzyme inhibition, or increased gastric emptying.

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