ABSTRACT

Starting from the fact that fecal fat excretion is increased after a high-fiber diet, the question arises whether dietary fiber substances (DF) affect ingested fat-soluble vitamins being utilized in the GI tract. The exact mechanism by which the intake of DF induces fecal fat excretion is not known. Interactions between DF and bile salts or the formation of micelles are discussed, as is the impaired activity of intestinal enzymes. DF binds components of mixed micelles, such as bile salts, fatty acids, monolene, phospholipids, etc., and may therefore impair fat absorption in the upper jejunum.