Liver Salts (Bile Salts): Function, Production & Digestion

Liver salts, also known as bile salts, are amphipathic molecules synthesized from cholesterol in the liver. They are stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine when fat is consumed. They aid in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats.

Liver salts are synthesized in the liver from cholesterol. The process involves several steps, including the hydroxylation of cholesterol, conjugation with taurine or glycine, and sulfation. The resulting bile salts are then transported to the gallbladder, where they are stored and concentrated.

When fat is consumed, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile salts into the small intestine. The bile salts emulsify the dietary fats, which breaks them down into smaller droplets that can be more easily digested by enzymes. The bile salts also help to absorb the dietary fats into the intestinal cells.

After the bile salts have been used to digest and absorb dietary fats, they are reabsorbed into the bloodstream and returned to the liver. This process is called the enterohepatic circulation.

Liver salts are essential for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Without them, we would not be able to properly absorb the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and other nutrients found in fats.