Bile Salt Disorders
Bile salt disorders involves various conditions affecting the production, flow, or composition of bile salts in the body. These disorders may include gallstones, bile duct obstructions, bile reflux, and bile acid malabsorption.
Symptoms of Excess Bile Production
The symtpoms of excess bile production are:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Fatty stools (steatorrhea)
- Indigestion
Symptoms of Low Bile Production
The symtpoms of low bile production are:
- Fatty stools (steatorrhea)
- Abdominal bloating
- Digestive discomfort after eating fatty foods
- Nutrient deficiencies, especially fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
- Pale-colored stools
- Jaundice (in severe cases)
Role of Bile Salt in Digestion
The role of bile salt in digestion is to emulsify fats and break them down into smaller droplets for easier digestion. It also helps in absorption by enzymes in the small intestine. This process is vital for the efficient uptake of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. The bile salt composition consists primarily of cholesterol derivatives that are synthesized in the liver.
In this article, we will read about the role of bile salt in digestion in detail.
Table of Content
- What are Bile Salts?
- What is the Role of Bile Salt in Digestion?
- Bile Salts Formation and Composition
- Bile Salt Disorders
- Conclusion – Role of Bile Salt in Digestion