Total Bile Acids
Also known as: Bile Acids, Bile Salts, Cholic Acid, Chenodeoxycholic Acid, Deoxycholic Acid, Total Bile Acids
Overview
Bile acids are steroid acids synthesized in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, playing a crucial role in the emulsification and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. They can be categorized into primary bile acids (e.g., cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid) and secondary bile acids (e.g., deoxycholic acid) formed by intestinal bacteria. Besides their digestive function, bile acids serve as important biomarkers for liver and gallbladder diseases in humans, indicating various pathological conditions. In aquaculture, bile acids are gaining popularity as feed supplements, improving growth performance and feed efficiency in aquatic species. They also exhibit hormonal actions that influence metabolism and energy balance. Research has addressed the potential health impacts of bile acids, especially concerning liver function and gastrointestinal health, while their application in aquaculture is still emerging.
Benefits
Bile acids offer several evidence-backed benefits, particularly notable in the field of aquaculture. Systematic reviews have revealed significant improvements in growth performance metrics such as weight gain and feed conversion ratios through bile acid supplementation. Furthermore, they contribute to better lipid profiles by reducing circulating triglycerides and total cholesterol levels, thereby enhancing metabolic outcomes. In human health contexts, total serum bile acids act as biomarkers for conditions such as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, displaying variable diagnostic effectiveness. Specific populations, especially within aquaculture, experience substantial benefits from tailored supplementation, typically ranging from 60 to 3946.59 mg/kg of diet, while individuals with bile acid diarrhea post-cholecystectomy benefit from monitoring and treatments like colestyramine.
How it works
Bile acids facilitate fat digestion due to their surfactant properties, which emulsify lipids, significantly improving their absorption in the intestines. They activate critical receptors such as the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and TGR5, which regulate lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. Additionally, bile acids promote cholesterol synthesis in the liver and influence energy expenditure through various nuclear receptors. Their enterohepatic recirculation allows for efficient recycling and absorption, thus maintaining metabolic balance within the body.
Side effects
While bile acids are generally recognized as safe when used appropriately, high doses may lead to gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea, affecting over 5% of users. Less common adverse reactions (about 1-5%) may include elevated liver enzyme levels and fatigue, although serious adverse effects are rare, occurring in fewer than 1% of cases. Users should consider potential drug interactions with medications that affect lipid metabolism or liver function. Contraindications for bile acid use include severe liver disease, specific gallbladder disorders, and hypersensitivity to bile acids. Caution is particularly important for special populations, such as pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis, who require careful monitoring when using bile acid therapies.
Dosage
The dosage of bile acids varies widely depending on their intended use. In aquaculture, effective doses typically commence at around 60 mg/kg of diet, with optimal supplementation commonly ranging between 60 and 3946.59 mg/kg, tailored to specific species and their nutritional requirements. No well-defined maximum safe dose exists; thus, adjustments should align with individual needs and species-specific responses. Timing considerations are also key: in aquaculture, ongoing administration throughout the growth phase is advised, whereas for humans, accurate bile acid level testing timing is critical to interpret results correctly. Bile acids may be administered as feed additives in aquaculture or orally in human applications, with their absorption enhanced by the body's natural enterohepatic recycling process.
FAQs
Are bile acids safe?
Bile acids are generally considered safe but can cause gastrointestinal side effects at high doses.
How should bile acids be administered?
In aquaculture, bile acids should be consistently included in the diet; for humans, the timing of measurements is critical for diagnostics.
What benefits can I expect from bile acid supplementation?
In aquaculture, expect improved growth and feed utilization; in humans, bile acids may manage symptoms of cholestasis and diarrhea.
Can bile acids cure liver diseases?
Bile acids are not a cure for liver diseases but can help manage symptoms and improve metabolic outcomes.
Supplements Containing Total Bile Acids
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