Function of bile salts
Bile salts are a critical component of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile salts have several important functions in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.
1. Emulsification of fats: Bile salts break down large fat globules into smaller droplets through a process called emulsification. This increases the surface area of the fats, allowing lipase enzymes to more efficiently break them down into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body.
2. Absorption of fats: Bile salts also help in the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K) in the small intestine. By emulsifying fats, bile salts enable them to be digested and absorbed by the intestinal lining.
3. Facilitation of digestion: Bile salts aid in the digestion of fats by forming micelles, which are small structures that transport fatty acids, monoglycerides, and fat-soluble vitamins across the water-based environment of the intestine for absorption.
4. Maintenance of cholesterol balance: Bile salts play a role in the regulation of cholesterol levels in the body. They help in the excretion of excess cholesterol from the body by forming cholesterol-rich micelles that are eliminated in the feces.
In summary, the main function of bile salts is to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins, as well as to assist in the excretion of excess cholesterol from the body.