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What breaks down fiber?

Updated: 8/11/2023
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14y ago

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Some mistakenly believe that it is broken down in the large intestine (colon) but the fact is, humans cannot break down cellulose fiber because we have no suitable organ of fermentation. The colon in humans is used mainly for reclaiming water, producing some vitamins and storing solid waste. If fiber were broken down in the colon, it would serve no nutritional purpose because sugars are absorbed in the small intestine, not the colon. In ruminants such as cows, deer and sheep, cellulose fiber is fermented in the rumen. The rumen is the first of the 4 sections of the ruminant stomach.

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14y ago
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14y ago

Fibre isn't broken down, it just passes through your body.

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