Bile acids are compounds necessary for fat digestion, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. While most are reabsorbed by the body, some are eliminated in the stool. Measuring bile acids in stool aids in evaluating digestive health, especially for diagnosing fat malabsorption and related disorders.
Individuals experiencing chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or symptoms of malabsorption are prime candidates for bile acid testing in stool. It’s also relevant for those with liver or gallbladder diseases, or conditions affecting the intestines.
Abnormal levels can result from liver or gallbladder disorders, intestinal diseases, or surgeries affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Dietary factors and certain medications can also impact bile acid levels.
Bile acid levels in stool are a key indicator of digestive health. They reveal how well fats are digested and absorbed. Abnormal levels can point to liver or gallbladder issues, intestinal disorders, and problems with fat absorption. High levels often cause symptoms like chronic diarrhea.