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Dietary fibers possess powerful absorbing properties, which can significantly affect the absorption of various medications and vitamin complexes. If fiber is taken simultaneously with medications, plant fibers can bind the active substances of the medicine and excrete them from the body before they have time to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This is especially critical for heart medications, hormonal agents, and antibiotics.

To avoid reducing the effectiveness of treatment, experts recommend maintaining a time interval between taking medications and consuming fiber-rich foods or psyllium supplements. The optimal waiting time is two to three hours. This interval is usually sufficient for medications to completely dissolve and pass through the initial stages of absorption in the stomach and upper intestine.

Special attention should be paid to minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc. Fiber can partially hinder their absorption by binding their molecules. If you are taking iron supplements for anemia, try not to wash them down with bran and avoid combining supplement intake with a heavy meal consisting exclusively of coarse grains.