Bile salt

Bile Salt

Bile salt is a bioactive molecule produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats in the small intestine. Bile salts are also involved in the elimination of cholesterol from the body and have antimicrobial properties.

Production and Composition

Bile salts are synthesized in the liver from cholesterol. The primary bile salts in humans are chenodeoxycholic acid and cholic acid. These primary bile salts are conjugated with the amino acids glycine or taurine to form bile salts such as glycocholic acid and taurocholic acid.

Function

The primary function of bile salts is to aid in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. They act as emulsifiers, breaking down large fat globules into smaller droplets, a process known as emulsification. This increases the surface area of the fat droplets, allowing lipase enzymes to more effectively break down the fats into fatty acids and monoglycerides.

Bile salts also play a role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K) and help in the elimination of cholesterol from the body.

Health Implications

Abnormalities in bile salt production or function can lead to health problems. For example, a deficiency in bile salts can result in poor fat digestion and malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins, leading to vitamin deficiencies. Excessive bile salts can contribute to the formation of gallstones.

Primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis are two diseases associated with bile salt dysfunction. Both conditions involve inflammation and damage to the bile ducts, leading to a buildup of bile salts in the liver.

See Also

• Bile
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Digestive system
• Cholesterol