Soluble fiber included in meals with purified pectin slows gastric emptying. Which statement is true?

• A. It slows gastric emptying
• B. It speeds gastric emptying
• C. It has no effect on gastric emptying
• D. It prevents gastric emptying completely

Answer: (A)

Soluble fiber that forms gels, like pectin, increases the viscosity of the stomach contents. When such fiber is included in meals, the resulting gel makes the chyme thicker and slower to move, so the stomach empties into the small intestine more gradually. This slowing of gastric emptying helps blunt postprandial glucose rises and can enhance fullness. Therefore, the true statement is that it slows gastric emptying. It does not speed it up, it does have an effect, and it does not prevent gastric emptying entirely.