What are Bile Acids?
Bile acids, found in bile excreted by the liver in humans, are responsible for aiding the absorption of fat. They also play a part in how the body uses cholesterol. When cholesterol is processed by the liver, bile acids form. The gall bladder stores the acids until the body needs to use them. Blood tests can reveal bile acid absorption disorders, which could be a cause of recurring and/or frequent diarrhea. Patients with high LDL (bad) cholesterol can be prescribed bile acid sequestrants to help reduce LDL levels.
Normal Value Range
- Negative Pregnancy Adult: 0.3 to 4.8 µmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester One: 0 to 4.9 µmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Two: 0 to 9.1 µmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Three: 0 to 11.3 µmol/L
Values may be elevated if the pregnant patient suffers from liver disease (structural). Intrahepatic cholestasis (pregnancy) can also cause bile acids to rise.