Bile acids, including cholic acid, are major components of bile, a fluid produced in the liver that is largely responsible for proper digestion of lipids (fats) in the small intestine. As a part of the normal digestive process, healthy bile production is also important for maintaining overall health, nutritional status and normal energy metabolism.*

Through a series of enzymatic reactions in the liver, bile acids such as cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid are produced and conjugated with either glycine or taurine to form bile salts. These bile production processes are constantly taking place in the liver. The bile is then transported and stored in the gall bladder and is released into the small intestine after eating. There, the bile acids form micelles by surrounding very small droplets of fat. This action is important because it enables lipase produced by the pancreas to effectively digest the fats further along in the digestive process. Healthy bile production is vital for normal digestion of fats and oils from the diet.*

The digestive process is central to maintaining overall health and wellness. A proper breakdown of nutrients from food is the first step toward maintaining adequate nutritional status, normal absorption of vitamins and minerals, healthy bones, muscles and other tissues, and normal energy metabolism. Because bile acids are essential for the processing and digesting fats, they are also needed for normal absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.*