Purified bile salts are commonly used to support a healthy digestive tract, enhance nutrient absorption, and promote the breakdown and uptake of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of bile deficiency and discover how purified bile salt supplements can help support gut function and digestive wellness.
What are purified bile salts?
Purified bile salts are a concentrated source of bile acid compounds vital for fat digestion and overall digestive functions.
Bile salts, naturally produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, play a critical role in digestion as they’re released into the small intestine to help break down dietary fats.
They act as a detergent and work by emulsifying large fat molecules, increasing their surface area so enzymes such as lipase can break them down more efficiently.
This process is also essential for the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
Furthermore, research published in Liver Research summarizes additional functions of bile, “Bile acids modulate several gastrointestinal functions including electrolyte secretion and absorption, gastric emptying, and small intestinal and colonic motility.”1
Bile salt supplements contain purified bile salts, which are typically derived from bovine or ox bile. They’re commonly used to support digestion, especially in people with sluggish bile production or those who have had their gallbladder removed.
“Natural bile in the body is a complex fluid that includes bile acids, cholesterol, phospholipids, and waste products,” explains Dr. Berg. “Purified bile salts are isolated and concentrated sources of bile acids conjugated with amino acids to mimic the digestive properties of bile.”
The purified form of ox bile also allows for consistent dosing, making bile salts an excellent option to enhance fat digestion and nutrient absorption.
Watch the video below to discover potential side effects of using purified bile salts.
Symptoms of bile deficiency
When the body doesn’t produce enough bile, it can affect how fats and fat-soluble nutrients are processed and absorbed during digestion.
This may contribute to common digestive problems, including:
- Bloating
- Feeling overly full after meals
- Nausea after eating
- Changes in stool consistency
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Unexplained tiredness
- Skin changes
These discomforts are sometimes linked to gallbladder removal surgery, as the gallbladder stores and releases bile in controlled amounts to aid digestion when needed.
When bile flow is reduced, the digestion of dietary fats may become less efficient, which could influence how well the body metabolises certain nutrients, particularly the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
These vitamins support functions related to vision, skin, bones, and the immune system, and maintaining optimal bile flow and balanced digestion is important for overall wellness.
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Potential benefits of bile salts
When used in supplement form, purified bile salts may offer gentle support for various aspects of digestion.
From aiding in the breakdown of fats to promoting smooth bile flow and supporting a balanced gut environment, bile salts can contribute to overall health and digestive tract wellness.
Here are four potential benefits of purified bile salts.
1. Support digestive functions
Bile salts play an essential role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats, allowing digestive enzymes, particularly those released by the pancreas, to work more effectively.
This not only supports fat breakdown but also helps process and digest proteins and other nutrients, including carbohydrates and fat-soluble nutrients.
By promoting these key digestive processes, bile salts can contribute to optimal gut function, which is linked to overall better health and well-being.
2. Promote gallbladder health
Purified bile salts can help support the natural movement of bile through the bile duct, which plays a key role in maintaining effective digestive processes.
By supporting steady bile flow, bile salts may assist in keeping bile soluble and fluid. This promotes optimal gallbladder function, crucial for optimal gut function.
A well-functioning gallbladder plays an important role in maintaining healthy bile flow, which supports the digestion of fats, the elimination of waste products and toxins, as well as promotes regular bowel movements.
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3. Help support a balanced gut microflora
Bile acids play a key role in maintaining a healthy digestive environment by influencing the balance of intestinal bacteria. A well-balanced gut microflora isn’t just important for digestion but also contributes to strong immune defenses and overall well-being.
Research published in Current Opinion in Gastroenterology highlights the critical role bile acids play in shaping gut microbiota composition and activity by helping create an environment where beneficial bacteria can thrive.2
In addition, gut bacteria are involved in bile acid metabolism as they assist in the recycling of bile salts and help regulate the body’s bile acid pool. This symbiotic relationship supports both microbial balance and efficient digestion.
4. May support liver health
A study published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy suggests that bile acids may play a vital role in supporting liver cell function by enhancing the liver’s ability to respond to the potential stress associated with detoxification processes.3
Bile acids also act as signaling molecules that help regulate key aspects of liver function, including the metabolism of lipids and cholesterol.
By assisting in the breakdown and transport of these substances, bile acids can contribute to the liver’s vital role in maintaining lipid and metabolic balance.
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Potential side effects of bile salts
While purified bile salts can promote digestive wellness and support overall gut health, they may cause side effects in sensitive individuals, especially if taken in excess or without proper guidance.
Some people may experience stomach pain, cramping, or nausea after taking supplements containing bile salts, particularly on an empty stomach.
Diarrhea is another common side effect of bile salt supplementation. This typically results from increased concentrations of bile acids reaching the colon, where they can draw water into the intestines and alter stool consistency.
Furthermore, large doses of bile salts have been found to potentially disrupt microbial balance, which can impact gut function, immune defenses, and nutrient absorption.
To minimize the risk of side effects, it’s crucial to carefully follow the instructions of the bile salt product you are planning to take.
It’s also recommended to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of digestive issues, liver concerns, or have had your gallbladder removed.
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Who should avoid bile salts
Because bile acids can trigger changes in stool consistency, individuals with diarrhea should be cautious when taking purified bile salts to avoid worsening symptoms.
Those with hyperthyroidism should also avoid bile salt supplementation as it can enhance the conversion of thyroid hormones. This may potentially increase already elevated levels of active triiodothyronine (T3) and lead to further thyroid imbalances.
In addition, in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), bile salts may affect the integrity of the intestinal lining, potentially influencing how substances move across the gut barrier.
This can trigger changes in immune activity and cause digestive upset, and those with IBD are advised to avoid bile salt supplements.
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Key takeaways
Purified bile salts can help support the digestion of fats and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins by aiding and enhancing bile function in the small intestine.
Taking bile salt supplementation may be especially helpful for individuals with low bile flow and those without a gallbladder.
However, they should be used with caution, as high doses of bile salt supplementation or improper use can lead to various side effects, including diarrhea and digestive discomfort.
FAQ
What are the side effects of purified bile salts?
Purified bile salts may cause side effects such as loose stools, stomach discomfort, nausea, or bloating, especially when taken in high doses or without food.
Are purified bile salts safe?
Yes, purified bile salts are considered safe and are used by many individuals to promote healthy digestive function. However, those with chronic diarrhea, thyroid hormone imbalances, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should avoid bile salts, as they may exacerbate symptoms associated with these health issues.
What are purified bile salts good for?
Purified bile salts help support the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins by enhancing bile activity in the digestive tract.
In addition, bile salts may support microbial gut balance and liver health, as well as promote bile flow and gallbladder function, key aspects of optimal gut health, strong immune defenses, and overall well-being.
What happens when you start taking bile salts?
When you start taking bile salts, you may notice improved fat digestion and less gut discomfort, such as bloating after meals. However, some people can experience looser stools, especially during the initial adjustment period. These typically mild symptoms are temporary and often resolve as the body adapts to bile salt supplementation, particularly when taken with meals and as instructed.
