Bile acids are compounds essential for digesting fats, produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. While most are reabsorbed into the body, a portion is excreted in stool. Measuring bile acids in stool helps assess digestive health, particularly in diagnosing fat malabsorption and related conditions.
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.