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Bile Acids

Meaning

Bile Acids are cholesterol-derived amphipathic molecules synthesized in the liver and subsequently secreted into the small intestine to facilitate the critical digestion and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Beyond their established digestive function, bile acids now hold recognition as potent signaling molecules, engaging both nuclear and cell-surface receptors to regulate systemic glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism. Clinically, their concentration and composition are essential indicators of liver and gastrointestinal function, holding emerging importance in the maintenance of overall metabolic health. Their complex enterohepatic circulation is intimately connected to the gut microbiome’s metabolic activity.