What is the primary method used to assess the impact of food on drug absorption?

The primary method used to assess the impact of food on drug absorption is performing clinical studies. Clinical studies provide direct observations and measurements of how food interacts with a drug in a live human population. These studies typically involve administering the drug under different conditions—such as in a fasting state versus with meals—to observe variations in pharmacokinetic parameters like absorption rate and extent.

Through these studies, researchers can gather valuable data on how food affects the absorption of a drug, including factors such as changes in bioavailability, peak plasma concentration, and time to reach peak concentration. This direct evidence is essential for understanding how food can influence the efficacy and safety of medications in real-world scenarios.

While literature reviews can summarize existing findings, they do not generate new data on the specific interactions between food and drugs. In vitro studies analyze drug behavior in a controlled lab environment, providing insights but lacking the complexity of human physiology. Evaluating dose responses focuses on the relationship between drug dosage and its pharmacological effect, which does not directly address how food intake modifies drug absorption. Hence, clinical studies are the most definitive method for assessing the impact of food on drug absorption.