Bile Acids

Overview

Bile Acids are Organic Acids that are a constituent of Bile - they occur primarily as Salts.  Chemically, Bile Acids are classified as Steroids.

Digestive System

 Carotenes require Bile Acids to facilitate their absorption.

 Cholesterol is excreted from the body by Bile Acids.  Bile Acids are the body’s only significant mechanism for the elimination of excess Cholesterol from the body.  Bile Acids solubilize Cholesterol in the Bile, preventing the precipitation of Cholesterol in the Gallbladder.

 Bile Acids facilitate the digestion of Triglycerides from Fats - Dietary.  Bile Acids function as emulsifying agents that render the Fatty Acids from dietary Triglycerides accessible to Pancreatic Lipase.

 Bile Acids facilitate the intestinal absorption of Fat-Soluble Vitamins.

Immune System

 Bile Acids may suppress Helicobacter pylori.  ^[1]