NANP Board Practice Exam

What are not digested by the endogenous secretions (digestive enzymes) of the human gastrointestinal tract?

1. Digestible carbohydrates

2. Dietary fibers

3. Essential nutrients

4. Nonessential nutrients

The correct answer is: Dietary fibers

The correct answer is dietary fibers. The human gastrointestinal tract contains various digestive enzymes that effectively break down digestible carbohydrates, essential nutrients, and nonessential nutrients into absorbable forms. However, dietary fibers are primarily composed of complex carbohydrates that the human body cannot fully digest due to the absence of specific enzymes required to break them down. Instead of being digested, dietary fibers play a crucial role in maintaining digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements, supporting gut microbiota, and providing a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management. Digestible carbohydrates, essential nutrients, and nonessential nutrients are all substances that the digestive system is designed to break down and absorb, making those choices related to components the body successfully processes.