What is the main mechanism of action for bile acid sequestrants?

Bile acid sequestrants primarily work by binding bile acids in the intestine. This binding prevents the bile acids from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream, leading to their excretion through feces. When bile acids are sequestered and not recycled, the liver responds by converting more cholesterol into bile acids to compensate for the loss. This process helps lower the levels of circulating cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL), thus having a therapeutic effect on cholesterol levels.

In contrast, the other options relate to different mechanisms. Inhibiting cholesterol absorption focuses on preventing cholesterol uptake from the diet, which is not the primary action of bile acid sequestrants. Decreasing triglyceride levels and reducing LDL production might occur as secondary effects due to the overall reduction in cholesterol levels, but are not the main action of these medications. The key action remains the binding of bile acids, which is fundamental for their cholesterol-lowering effect.