Answer to Question #108301 in Cell Biology for Hannah

Question

lactulose is soluble but not digested or absorbed in the human intestine. Why is lactulose used to help people suffering from constipation using the idea of water potential.

Answer 1

Lactulose is broken down in the bowel into products that pull water out from the body and into the bowel to soften poo and make it easier to pass. It's called an osmotic laxative.