Effect of polycarbophil on the absorption of nutrients

The effects of polycarbophil on the absorption of various nutrients were evaluated by several in situ methods. Polycarbophil reduced the absorption of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3-OMG) and L-phenylalanine in the in situ loop and the in situ perfusion methods, but it did not affect the absorption of these nutrients in an open system, the in situ modified loop method, which is closer to physiological conditions. It also did not affect the absorption of vitamin A or phosphatidylcholine-L-alpha-dipalmitoyl in the latter system. These results indicate that the absorption of nutrients is probably not altered by polycarbophil under physiological conditions.