bile salt

Bile salts are crucial components of bile, a fluid produced by the liver that aids in the digestion of fats in the small intestine. Synthesized from cholesterol, bile salts act as detergents, emulsifying fats into smaller droplets for easier breakdown by enzymes. They also help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. After aiding digestion, bile salts are reabsorbed in the lower small intestine and returned to the liver, a process known as enterohepatic circulation. This cycle ensures efficient reuse of bile salts, with only a small amount being lost. Bile salts also play a role in eliminating excess cholesterol from the body and can influence gut health.12