cholic acid

Cholic acid is a crystalline bile acid with the chemical formula C₂₄H₄₀O₅. It is one of the primary bile acids synthesized in the liver from cholesterol, playing a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Bile acids, including cholic acid, act as detergents to emulsify fats and form micelles for vitamin absorption. They are secreted into bile, stored in the gallbladder, and released into the small intestine. After aiding digestion, they are reabsorbed and recirculated to the liver. Cholic acid can be converted into secondary bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid, by bacteria in the colon.12